The Julie Tekin Award Recipients
This web page serves as a comprehensive resource highlighting the esteemed recipients of the Julie Tekin Award, presented by the UK Association of Forensic Nurses and Paramedics (UKAFNP). Recognised for excellence in forensic healthcare, this prestigious accolade honours individuals who have made significant contributions within Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) and custody healthcare across the UK.
2024
Keeley Roe
Associate Head of Healthcare
Mountain Healthcare
Keeley exemplifies exceptional leadership in forensic healthcare, driven by a steadfast commitment to supporting survivors of rape and sexual assault. From her early volunteer days with Rape Crisis, she has pursued a purposeful career path that culminated in her role as Associate Head of Healthcare, overseeing seven Sexual Assault Referral Centres across Yorkshire, the Humber, and the North East. Her pivotal contributions, including establishing Mountain Healthcare’s North East contract, highlight her influence both locally and nationally, serving as a board member of the Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine. Through her dedication, Keeley continues to shape the standards and practices that empower Forensic Examiners across the UK.
Sarah Fry
Training Manager
Mite Care and Custody Ltd
Under Sarah's leadership as Training Manager at Mitie Care and Custody Ltd, the delivery of training and development has undergone a remarkable transformation. By prioritising in-house training, she has significantly enhanced both quality and efficiency, all while achieving notable financial savings. A standout accomplishment includes securing Level 7 Masters accreditation for the previously Level 4 Forensic Medicine in Custody Healthcare course at Teesside University, ensuring staff gain essential competencies. Additionally, Sarah is pioneering the integration of Virtual Reality into training, offering immersive experiences that further enrich the educational landscape for forensic nurses and paramedics in the UK.
2023
Francis Akinlolul
Custody Nurse & Lead Nurse for Non-Medical Prescribing
Metropolitan Police Service
Francis pioneered the integration of Non-Medical Prescribing (NMP) for Custody Nurses within the Metropolitan Police, effectively addressing the challenge of reliance on Forensic Medical Examiners for detained individuals medication. By clarifying misconceptions about NMP and demonstrating its benefits to senior leadership, he secured organisational support, leading to significant cost savings, improved health outcomes for detainees, and enhanced staff satisfaction. As the Lead Nurse for NMP with the Metropolitan Police Service, he successfully supervised aspiring prescribers, resulting in 11 active NMPs and 4 in training, ensuring comprehensive, independent care for detainees and fostering professional development within the nursing community.
2022
Jess Davidson
National Medication Assisted Treatment Standards Coordinator and Advanced Forensic Practice
Programme LeadNational Police Care Network (Scotland), Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh
Jess's exceptional leadership as the Programme Lead for the PG Certificate in Advanced Forensic Practice in Scotland has culminated in her receiving a prestigious award. Her tireless advocacy for the Advanced Clinical Forensic Practitioner course has not only advanced police custody and forensic examination but also enabled the first cohort of practitioners, educated to Master's level, to graduate on July 12th, 2022. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the evolution of sexual assault response services in Scotland, reflecting Jess's unwavering dedication to enhancing professional standards and patient care within the UKAFNP community. As the landscape for these vital services continues to evolve, Jess remains at the forefront of driving positive change.
2021
Devon & Cornwall Custody Healthcare Team
Award accepted by Mark Hardie
Clinical Lead
G4S
Mark proudly accepted the esteemed award on behalf of the Devon and Cornwall Custody Healthcare Team, recognising their innovative implementation of Dry Blood Spot testing for Hepatitis among drug and alcohol-dependent patients. This pioneering initiative, developed in collaboration with the Hepatitis C Trust and NHS Hepatology Specialist Practitioners across the Southwest Peninsula, underscores the UKAFNP’s commitment to enhancing forensic nursing practices. By improving healthcare outcomes in police custody, this achievement exemplifies the pivotal role of forensic nurses and paramedics in safeguarding vulnerable populations.