Police Staff Week: 3-7 March 2025
This week, we celebrate and recognise Police Staff Week. Below are some reflections from our director, Richard Fewkes.
"The Hydrant Programme team consists entirely of police staff members. It is this dedicated team that plays a vital role in delivering and coordinating the national policing response to child sexual abuse and exploitation and supporting forces in their efforts to combat it. The Team's contributions to national policing are immeasurable, and their efforts have undoubtedly protected many children from harm, helped to improve the confidence of victims and survivors and assisted forces to bring many perpetrators to justice.
“Our team includes a wide range of roles, with people from all over the country- ensuring that their work reaches every corner of the UK.
“As their director, I am incredibly proud of the team and the invaluable contributions they make and I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of them."
The Vulnerability Communications Hub, comprising of individuals representing the Hydrant Programme, CSE Taskforce, TOEX and VKPP, are proud to have been shortlisted for the Police Staff Team of the Year Award.
In the nomination, it was noted that the team has demonstrated exceptional commitment, innovation, and leadership in tackling the complex issue of child sexual abuse and exploitation (CSAE) over the past year with their collaborative, survivor-centred approach setting a new benchmark, directly contributing to improvements in the protection of children.
In addition, the entry highlighted that the team had not only pioneered essential research and national campaigns, but had also led the way in incorporating victim voices into every aspect of their work.
Claire Stanley, Head of Communications for the Vulnerability Communications Hub said:
“It is an honour for my team to have been shortlisted for this award in what was a highly contended category with some incredible colleagues from across the police staff network.
“The whole of my team has adapted and delivered on the vision I set out when taking this role two years ago and as a result have delivered incredible communications products underpinned by victim voice. This is at the heart of everything we do and continue to do to make an impact and drive change.