Palace Date for CPS West Yorkshire Caseworker

04/06/2008

Joan Kane, Caseworker at the Crown Prosecution Service in West Yorkshire will be presented with her MBE by Her Majesty the Queen tomorrow in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

Joan, 58, who was awarded the MBE in the New Year's Honours List, joined the former County Prosecuting Solicitors Department in 1967 as a typist, became a Crown Court Clerk in 1980 and transferred to the newly created CPS as a caseworker in April 1986.

During her CPS career Joan has demonstrated an exemplary commitment to public service. Her contribution is valued by all who work with her in the criminal justice system and she has been commended by the police and prosecuting counsel on many occasions. She has been the caseworker on many difficult and sensitive cases, including murders, rapes and child abuse and she is often requested by senior counsel to work with them.

She is dedicated to providing the highest standards of witness care and over the years has received countless letters of thanks from members of the public. She is a role model for her fellow caseworkers and has routinely assisted in the training and mentoring of new members of the team. She is widely respected by  all her colleagues.

Joan said:

"I was stunned but incredibly delighted when I heard I was to receive this honour. As a CPS caseworker I do not work alone. I have had the opportunity to work with some wonderful people throughout my career and would like to extend my thanks to them.

"Today will be a very special day which I am looking forward to sharing with my husband and friends."

Neil Franklin, Chief Crown Prosecutor for the West Yorkshire Area who himself met the Queen in 2006 when he was awarded with an OBE said:

"Joan has worked for CPS and its pre-incarnations for over forty years during which time she has been the epitome of an outstanding public servant. She has never spared herself or her time in ensuring that all of her responsibilities are discharged to the highest standard.

"The numerous letters of thanks and recognition which I have received in respect of Joan from criminal justice partners and members of the public are testimony to her ability through sheer hard work and dedication, to make a difference. This reward goes someway to reflecting an outstanding career."

Ends

Notes to editors:

1. It is possible that a photograph of Joan at Buckingham Palace will be made available. If you would like to receive this photograph please call 0113 2902839.