Positive results shine through in latest Volunteers in Policing survey

Leicestershire Police’s volunteers and specials have praised their volunteering experience in a recent annual survey.

A total of 600 people make up the force’s volunteers – including specials, police cadets and police support volunteers - who in the last 12 months have contributed nearly 73,000 hours of their free time to supporting our communities.

The survey, led on by the force’s Volunteers in Policing (VIP) Team, is conducted every two years in order to gain a clear understanding as to how specials and volunteers are feeling towards their role. The feedback is used to improve the work around volunteering experience and seek future developments.

Feedback covered all aspects of volunteering with the force, from how many hours people commit each month through to how they feel they’re treated by both colleagues and the public.

From the results, Leicestershire Police’s special constables highlighted:

• 98% feel treated with respect from other officers and staff; an increase of 31% from the last survey

 

• 91% enjoy their role within Leicestershire Police

 

• 94% said that Leicestershire Police is a good organisation to work for

 

• 94% would recommend becoming a Special with Leicestershire Police

 

• 88% feel valued and supported by the VIP team; an overall increase of 25% on the last survey

 

 

Special constable recruitment is currently live, for more information please visit here.

 

From the results, Leicestershire Police’s support volunteers highlighted:

• 96% enjoy their volunteer work with Leicestershire Police

 

• 96% feel treated with respect by people within the organisation, an increase of 2%

 

• 95% said that working for Leicestershire Police has a positive impact on their wellbeing

 

• 92% would recommend volunteering with the organisation to family/friends, up from 86% in the last survey

 

Since the previous VIP survey, 16 volunteers have taken the opportunity of paid employment with Leicestershire Police, either as a police officer or police staff.

A total of 88 special constables have used the knowledge and experience gained from volunteering to become a Leicestershire Police officer.

Sergeant Charlotte Dickens, Leader of the VIP Team, said: “Since my time working at Loughborough when I used to utilise the skills, experiences and support of our volunteers on a regular basis, I have always been passionate about championing our volunteers.

“This year’s survey results exemplify the hard work all our volunteers put in to supporting our communities and the organisation, along with the support and commitment all of our colleagues give to supporting our volunteers throughout the force. With recruitment for special constables now being open throughout the year, now has never been a better time to join us.”

Rhiannon Woolridge joined as one of the 600 volunteers last year. She now holds the rank of special sergeant and also volunteers as a cadet leader.

Rhiannon said: “The best part is knowing that I am helping the force as and when I can by supporting officers on the frontline with their increasingly challenging role as well as helping to make a positive impact on the young people who volunteer their time to help the community.

“I’d say that if you’re thinking of doing something different with your free time and want to make a difference, really consider joining us either as a special constable or as a police support volunteer. It’s rewarding and gives you a real sense of pride.”

Leicestershire Police are currently recruiting for cadet leaders, a role that not only helps to shape the future of young people across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, but also offers personal skill development and various new qualifications.

Lynette Rose joined the force six years ago as a PCSO. Wanting to do something beyond her role, she became a cadet leader and never looked back.

Lynette said: “Being a cadet leader is a brilliant way to influence change in young minds. I love to see the cadets grow and become more confident, make new friends and feel proud of their achievements.”

Leicestershire Police is supporting the national campaign, ‘The Big Help Out’, which encourages people to help out in local communities over The King’s Coronation weekend. The force’s volunteers and cadets will be going that extra mile by working additional shifts to support the cause.

Are you interested in a volunteering role with Leicestershire Police? Visit here to find out more information.