An obituary in The Guardian noted her "profound sense of social justice" which "stemmed from an incisive understanding of and empathy with the underdog.
She kept a bright, well-organised light burning for decency and justice during a period when an increasingly party political mood of penal populism threatened to sweep away hard fought for principles and structures.
"[1] Tony Pearson of the centre also paid tribute to her and used an anecdote to illustrate her qualities: "Who will forget her obvious delight only a few months ago when she appeared in court and successfully helped the driver who was ferrying her to and from the office as her health deteriorated in getting permission to start training as a black cab driver, despite his previous minor convictions.
"[2] After her death the CCJS established the annual Una Padel Award in her memory to recognise organisations and individuals in penal reform.
The first in 2007 was awarded to Prison Chat UK and to Gillian Margaret Butler, the chair of Yarl's Wood Befrienders.