Volunteers’ Week starts on the first Monday in June each year and is a chance to recognise, celebrate and thank the UK’s incredible volunteers for all they contribute to our local communities, the voluntary sector, and society as a whole.
We are proud to have many of our staff who give hours of their time selflessly to various causes which are close to their hearts. This year, however, we are more than proud of one of our employees who has been recognised for her support and continued volunteering commitment having been awarded ‘Highly Commended’ for the Unsung Hero Award in the National Crimestoppers Volunteer Awards 2026.
Danny Andreassen, Chair of Gloucestershire Crimestoppers, nominated Jo, who has been Secretary to the Board for 25 years.
Danny said in his nomination:
Jo is a remarkable lady who commits entirely to our committee and its purpose. I am aware of some of Jo’s endless responsibilities and the necessary resilience she needs to offer her best to everything which is never in question.
For over 20 years, Jo has fought for the best of results and the most successful practices that keep us focussed and effective and her attention to detail is faultless.
When I think of how Crimestoppers wishes to be seen and promoted, I see Jo as the mould from which the best should be made, so without question or fear of contradiction, I believe her dedication to our team and collective spirit is in a large part held in place by Jo.
She tirelessly investigated opportunities to better ourselves for the good of those that need us, and she uses her vast experience of Crimestoppers to think laterally and effectively to ensure we are moving with demand and focus.
As our longest serving team member, I remain constantly grateful for her unique and inspiring contributions. Jo not only involves her daughter in supporting the charity and committees activities, she has recruited her employers support with each and every committee meeting being now hosted within Jo’s place of business who have also provided significant storage for Crimestoppers merchandise and equipment. I’m in no doubt, Jo would be the envy of each and every committee no matter what their objective as Jo is one of lifes true gifts to our team.
In truth, I struggle to truly articulate Jo’s real value and devotion to us all. She is as I’ve said, remarkable given the demands upon her professionally and privately and i wholeheartedly recommend Jo for recognition.”
In response to the award, Jo Kline said:
I am truly honoured and humbled to receive this award. Reading the nomination leaves me feeling somewhat unworthy, as I have always seen my contribution as just one part of the work carried out by an exceptional committee. Any success we have achieved has been through the dedication, support, and teamwork of so many wonderful people around me. It has been a privilege to volunteer with Crimestoppers for the past 25 years, and I share this recognition with every committee member, past and present, who has given their time, energy, and commitment to our cause. Thank you for this honour.”
On top of her volunteering for Crimestoppers, Jo selflessly volunteers out of work hours for the corporate charities we support year after year. She has given up her time to volunteer at the Teckels Summer Fair & Dog Show for the last two years. She has represented Meningitis Now on their stand at a careers event at Gloucestershire College and has even agreed to jump out of a plane for them! If you would like to make a donation you can do so here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/randall-payne-skydive