Category: Deputy Commissioner

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson centre stands with Surrey Youth Commission members at the first ever Big Conversation Conference

Applications for youth forum open after first members flag mental health and substance misuse as priorities for police

Posted on | by Alex Winter

A FORUM that allows young people in Surrey to have their say on the crime and policing issues that affect them most is recruiting new members.

The Surrey Youth Commission, now in its second year, is opening applications to people aged between 14 and 25.

The project is funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey and overseen by Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson.

New Youth Commissioners will have an opportunity to shape the future of crime prevention in the county by creating a series of priorities for both Surrey Police and the Commissioner’s office.

New Youth Commissioners will have an opportunity to shape the future of crime prevention in the county by creating a series of priorities for both Surrey Police and the Commissioner’s office. They will consult with peers and meet with senior police officers before presenting their recommendations at a public ‘Big Conversation’ conference in September next year.

Last year, Youth Commissioners asked more than 1,400 young people for their opinions ahead of the conference.

Applications open

Ellie, who has responsibility for children and young people in her remit, said: “I’m so proud to announce that the fantastic work done by our first-ever Surrey Youth Commission will continue into 2023/24, and I look forward to welcoming the new cohort in early November.

“Members of the initial Youth Commission achieved true excellence with their carefully-considered recommendations, many of which intersected with those already identified by Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend.

“Reducing violence against women and girls, further education around mental health and substance misuse, and strengthening the relationships between communities and police are among the big priorities for our young people.

“We will continue to work towards addressing each of these issues, as well as those chosen by the Youth Commissioners who will join us in the weeks to come.

“Fantastic work”

“Lisa and I decided two years ago that a forum was needed to amplify the voices of young people in this county in an effort to shape the future of policing.

“In order to achieve this, we commissioned experts at Leaders Unlocked to put youth voice at the heart of what we do.

“The results of that work have been illuminating and insightful, and I’m thrilled to extend the programme for a second year.”

Click the button for more information, or to apply:

Apply now

Applications must be submitted by October 27.

The Deputy Commissioner has signed a pledge to act on the Surrey Youth Commission’s recommendations

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie-Vesey Thompson

“It can hugely profit the criminal gangs who cause so much misery”: Deputy Commissioner warns of “extremely dangerous” consequences of rural crime

Posted on | by Alex Winter

SURREY’S Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner says the profits of rural crime are helping to fuel organised crime across the UK.

This week marks National Rural Crime Week, which aims to raise awareness of the issues faced by countryside communities. Ahead of the week of action, Ellie Vesey-Thompson joined Surrey Police’s PC Laura Rowley on a visit to three farms in the east of Surrey to learn more about the key issues affecting rural communities in the county.

Anti-social behaviour and criminal damage were among the top priorities for those living in the Surrey countryside.

Dog attacks on livestock are also a key concern. In Dorking, a farmer lost more than 30 sheep during a single incident. The same farmer also reported young people repeatedly climbing stacked hay bales on his property to light barbecues and causing criminal damage to the bales by cutting them open and strewing the contents around.

Crime warning

In a separate incident, vandals recently trespassed onto land, broke into a pheasant pen and killed a number of the birds, leaving the bodies in a pile for the owners to find the following day.

Theft of plant machinery and specialist GPS units are particularly lucrative for organised crime groups (OCGs). National reports suggest that these OCGs are exploiting current sanctions imposed on Russia as a result of the war with Ukraine to steal farm machinery to order.

During a rural crime conference in London earlier this year, delegates including the Deputy Commissioner heard there are strong links connecting rural offences – including burglaries committed on farmland – to organised crime.

Ellie, who carries the rural crime remit for the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office, said: “This issue has a significant impact. Like a stone thrown in a pond, the harm caused can ripple outwards, causing far graver and more widely-reaching consequences than you’d first imagine.

“During the conference I heard from experts including Superintendent Andrew Huddleston, who leads the UK’s National Rural Crime Unit, that this type of offending is fuelled in part by organised crime groups.

“Machinery thefts not only cause financial harm and delays to farm communities, but often result in huge profits to the OCGs responsible.

“We know that organised crime does so much harm to society, and the crimes committed by gangs in rural areas can fund activities including drug and firearms trafficking and child sexual exploitation.

“Offences not linked to OCGs also have a huge impact. For example, youths lighting barbecues in a barn filled with hay might appear to be little more than an annoyance, but this reckless and extremely dangerous act could so easily result in tragedy.

‘It does so much harm’

“The deaths of livestock in dog attacks is not only hugely traumatic for the animals, but can also have a devastating impact on farmers, who are forced to deal with truly horrific scenes. Such incidents also drive up insurance premiums for them, and prices at the supermarket for those who have no connection to rural communities.

“Rural crime does not exist in a vacuum. These offences are serious and alarming, and they can cause huge distress to members of the public who have no connection whatsoever to the initial incident.

“We know rural crime is under-reported, at a direct contrast to how serious this type of crime is to this affected. I urge our countryside communities to report all incidents to Surrey Police.

“I’m hugely proud of our rural crime team, including the fantastic PC Rowley. Each member is dedicated to working with Surrey’s residents to identify offenders and bring them to justice, as well as increasing awareness of the damage this type of criminal behaviour can cause.”

Ellie attended a national conference outlining the links between rural crime and OCGs during the summer

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson speaking at event

“The impact can be truly devastating”: Deputy Commissioner hails community heroes at anti-social behaviour awards ceremony

Posted on | by Alex Winter

At the start of September, we recognised and celebrated colleagues, partners and individuals who have worked hard to help tackle, reduce and resolve anti-social behaviour in Surrey across the last two years.

The evening highlighted best practice partnership working, excellent problem-solving skills and dedicated community engagement and reassurance work. 

Members from partner organisations such as Woking Borough Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) team were recognised for their commitment to joint working with officers to investigate and solve numerous ASB incidents.

The reported incidents were coming from a property which was set up during lockdown to house 25 extremely vulnerable people.

Tackling ASB Awards evening.jpg

With a drive to protect the victims, a partial closure order was obtained for three months, which was then extended by another three months, and since the extension was granted, residents have stated that “this is now a nice place to live”.

PC Amy Norman was commended for her fantastic work in Spelthorne. Despite only joining the Neighbourhood Team a year ago, Amy has had a huge positive impact on the community.

After a spate of reports of petty theft and general nuisance to members of the public, it was identified that this was solely being committed by one individual.

Over several months Amy built a positive rapport with the young person and undertook safeguarding checks including regular welfare visits.

As a result of this, a social worker was assigned to the young individual and family, regular meetings with the local school have been put in place and the young person has reduced offending by 80 per cent.

Woking Council ASB team.jpg

Residents in Guildford had been suffering serious ASB issues for several years caused by one residential household.

Police Constables Isobel Parkinson and Madeline Neil began to tackle the problems and rebuild community trust and confidence.

Through their work, 15 anonymous impact statements were taken detailing personal suffering and torment by this resident. 

This resulted in the tenant being taken to court where a Closure Order was put in place and the tenant was evicted from the property.

PC Isobel Parkinson and PC Madeline Neil, along with the brave residents, were celebrated for their commitment to solving a longstanding issue and tackle ASB within their community.

PC Amy Norman.jpg

Jo Grimshaw, head of Anti-Social Behaviour for Surrey Police, said: “It was a fantastic evening and a great opportunity to celebrate and thank those who have worked tirelessly over the last two years to resolve and reduce ASB in their communities. 

“Anti-social behaviour cannot be solved by one agency alone and requires a real partnership approach. The partners that we work with are outstanding and help us to protect victims and ensure the right support is in place.

“Encouraging victims to stand up to and report ASB is paramount, and we are striving to create more resilient and confident communities. 

“I would like to extend my congratulations and thanks to all those who attended the event and for their incredible work to combat ASB in Surrey.”

The event was funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey and Surrey Crimestoppers. 

Surrey’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, who opened the event, said: “I’m delighted to celebrate the amazing work that’s being carried out by Surrey Police, partners and members of the public across the county to tackle anti-social behaviour in our communities. 

PC Maddie Neal and PC Izzy Parkinson.jpg

“These awards demonstrate the inspiring work that goes on to support victims and tackle anti-social behaviour by getting to the root cause of issues. 

“The impact of anti-social behaviour can be truly devastating for those affected, and we are dedicated to ensuring both that victims are always at the heart of our response and that serious and persistent offenders are brought to justice. 

“To those who are affected by anti-social behaviour, I urge you not to suffer in silence. Please report incidents to the appropriate agency. We are all here to help.” 

  • The Healthy Surrey website can help you understand what type of ASB you are experiencing, the best agency to report this to and how to access support services. If you feel you are not being listened to, or your ASB is continuing, the website also explains the ASB Case Review and how you can request one.
Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson centre stands with Surrey Youth Commission members at the first ever Big Conversation Conference

Deputy Commissioner launches first-ever Surrey Youth Commission conference as members give their priorities for policing

Posted on | by Alex Winter

YOUNG people from Surrey have revealed the policing and community safety issues that have the biggest impact on them at a county-wide conference.

The Surrey Youth Commission, which is fully-funded by the Office for the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC), will help shape the future of crime prevention in the county, and its members have developed a list of priorities for both the Force and the OPCC.

These include substance misuse, violence against women and girls, and cybercrime. Youth commissioners presented their findings at their Big Conversation Conference, which took place in Woking last week.

Since early January, members aged between 14 and 25 have consulted with more than 1,600 of their peers to learn more about the issues affecting young people.

During the conference, they told an audience, which included Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson and Surrey Police Assistant Chief Constable Ali Barlow, that more must be done to educate young people on county lines drug dealing, sexual consent and being safe online.

Ellie, who has responsibility for children and young people in her remit and launched the Youth Commission last year, said the priorities identified “represent an opportunity for us all to learn and grow”.

She said: “The thoughtful, insightful findings by the Youth Commission allow us to look at the issues that acutely impact Surrey’s young people and really matter to them.

“Some of the priorities chosen by our youth commissioners intersect with those already identified by the Commissioner, including reducing violence against women and girls, mental health, and improving relationships between residents and police.

“However, I was particularly struck by the presentation on substance misuse, which was shockingly described as ‘highly normalised’ amongst our young people.

“I want to reassure our youth commissioners that all that of their hard work over the past few months will not be in vain.

‘Thoughtful and insightful’

“Myself and the Commissioner decided last year that a forum was needed to amplify the voices of young people in this county in an effort to shape the future of policing.

“As a result, we commissioned the services of experts at Leaders Unlocked with the specific aim of putting youth voice right into the heart of what our office and Surrey Police do.

“The youth commissioners have provided a deeply insightful and illuminating set of priorities for us all to work towards, and I am incredibly proud of each of them for representing the opinions of young people in Surrey.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson signed a pledge to act on the Surrey Youth Commission’s recommendations

“Their dedication and generosity in bringing their own experiences to the room proves to me that we should feel enormously positive about the generation of young people who are beginning to make their mark on the world.”

Emily Blavins, project manager for Leaders Unlocked, said: “We are immensely proud of the young people we’ve worked with over the past months.

“The Youth Commission members have conducted really significant research with their peers and have acted as a voice for all young people in Surrey.

“The findings and recommendations for change put forward by the Youth Commission will improve crime and policing for many.”

  • A report authored by the youth commissioners on their findings will be available to read within the coming weeks.

Ellie has told of her pride at the work achieved by the Youth Commissioners

Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson standing next to the sign for the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey, with the new young Crimestoppers Fearless worker Ryan Hines.

Deputy Commissioner welcomes new fully-funded Fearless worker dedicated to teaching young people that “criminality isn’t glamorous”

Posted on | by Alex Winter

A YOUTH worker whose role is fully-funded thanks to Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner says he wants charity Fearless to become a household name.

Ryan Hines works to educate young people about the consequences of their choices on behalf of Fearless, the youth arm of Crimestoppers.

As part of his role, Ryan offers non-judgemental advice on how to give information about crime 100 per cent anonymously by using a secure online form on the charity’s website Fearless.org, or by calling 0800 555 111.

He also visits schools, pupil referral units, colleges, universities and youth clubs to deliver workshops that show young people how crime can affect them, either as a victim or as a perpetrator, attends community events, and builds partnerships with youth-focused organisations.

Ryan Hines works to educate young people about the consequences of their choices on behalf of Fearless, the youth arm of Crimestoppers

Ryan’s role is funded through the Commissioner’s Community Safety Fund, which supports a range of projects across Surrey.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson met with Ryan at Surrey Police’s Guildford HQ last week.

She said: “Fearless is a fantastic service that reaches thousands of young people across the county.

“The role recently taken on by Ryan helps to empower our young people to make their communities safer.

“Ryan is able to tailor his message based on the most impactful crime in any given area, whether that’s county lines exploitation, anti-social behaviour, car theft, or another type of offending.

‘Ryan helps to empower our young people’

“This allows Ryan to speak to young people in a way that makes it directly relevant to the issues that impact their lives.

“We know that the idea of talking to the police directly can be challenging for young people, particularly if they’re already involved in criminal activity. For those people, Fearless is invaluable, and I’d like to reiterate the hugely important message that information can be given entirely anonymously.

“Fearless also helps to inform young people about crime, encourages them to talk honestly, and provides honest information about criminal activity and its consequences.”

Ryan said: “My ultimate aim is to ensure Fearless becomes a buzzword for young people.

“I want it to be part of everyday conversations in the way that my own peer group discussed Childline.

‘Buzzword’ mission

“Our message is simple, but it’s crucial. Young people can be very reluctant to contact the police, so the education Fearless can provide is critical. The charity offers an 100 per cent guarantee that all information given will remain anonymous, and our charity is independent of the police.

“We want to give all young people a voice and debunk myths that a criminal lifestyle is anything to glamorise.

“Many of those who are exploited don’t realise they’re victims until it’s too late. Giving them the information they need as early as possible is key to prevent this happening.”

For more information on the work Ryan is doing in Surrey, or to arrange a Fearless training session, visit crimestoppers-uk.org/fearless/professionals/outreach-sessions

Ellie has responsibility for children and young people in her remit

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson next to football pitch

“It has the power to change the lives of young people”: Deputy Commissioner launches new Premier League Kicks programme in Surrey

Posted on | by Alex Winter

A PREMIER League programme that uses the power of football to draw young people away from crime has expanded into Surrey thanks to a grant from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

The Chelsea Foundation has brought flagship initiative Premier League Kicks to the county for the first time.

The scheme, which supports people aged between eight and 18 from disadvantaged backgrounds, already operates at 700 venues across the UK. More than 175,000 young people engaged in the programme between 2019 and 2022.

Young attendees are offered sports, coaching, music and educational and personal development sessions. Local authorities in areas where the programme is delivered have reported significant reductions in anti-social behaviour.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson and two Surrey Police Youth Engagement Officers joined representatives from Chelsea FC in Cobham to launch the programme last week.

Youngsters from three youth clubs, including the MYTI Club in Tadworth, enjoyed a series of matches during the evening.

Ellie said: “I believe Premier League Kicks has the power to change the lives of young people and wider communities in our county.

“The scheme has already had huge success around the country at diverting children and teenagers from anti-social behaviour. Coaches encourage attendees of all abilities and backgrounds to focus on their personal achievements and successes, which is key to developing resilience in young people that will help them better manage challenges that might arise throughout their lives.

‘The power to change lives’

“Engagement in the Kicks sessions also gives young people additional routes into education, training and employment, alongside having fun playing football.

“I think it’s brilliant that volunteering is also a key part of the programme, helping young people feel more invested in and connected to their communities and linking them with some of the most vulnerable in society.

“I am so pleased we’ve been able to support the Chelsea Football Club Foundation in bringing this initiative to our county, and am grateful to them and Active Surrey for their work in getting the first sessions up and running across Surrey.”

Young people who join Premier League Kicks will meet in the evenings after school and during some school holidays. Open access, disability-inclusive and female-only sessions are included, as well as tournaments, workshops and social action.

Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson at the launch of Premier League Kicks in Surrey

Ellie said: “Protecting people from harm, strengthening relationships between Surrey Police and the county’s residents and working with communities so they feel safe are key priorities in the Police and Crime Plan.

“I believe this brilliant programme will help meet every one of those objectives by inspiring young people to achieve their potential and building safer, stronger and more inclusive communities.”

Tony Rodriguez, Youth Inclusion Officer at Chelsea Foundation, said: “We are delighted to have joined forces with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner to begin offering our successful Premier League Kicks programme within Surrey and it was great to launch this initiative with a fantastic event at Chelsea’s training ground in Cobham.

“The power of football is unique in its ability to positively affect society, it can prevent crime and antisocial behaviour by offering opportunities to all, and we look forward to developing this programme further in the near future.”

Surrey Police Youth Engagement Officers Neil Ware, left, and Phil Jebb, right, speak to young attendees

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson standing in front of police cars with a special police officer

“It really does take someone special”: Deputy Commissioner joins three Special Constables on shift to celebrate Volunteers’ Week

Posted on | by Alex Winter

FROM late-night patrols through busy town centres to standing guard at the scene of serious assaults, Surrey’s Special Constables work hard to protect and serve the public.

But many Surrey residents will know little about what it takes to step up and volunteer for the police.

The county’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Ellie Vesey-Thompson, has joined three Specials for shifts in the past few months. She spoke of their courage and determination following national Volunteers’ Week, which takes place every year from June 1-7.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, right, with Special Sergeant Sophie Yeates

During the first shift, Ellie teamed up with Special Sergeant Jonathan Bancroft to patrol Guildford. They were quickly called to reports of a repeat shoplifter who had allegedly behaved abusively to staff. Jonathan took statements and reassured the victims before launching a search for the suspect.

Ellie then joined airline pilot Ally Black, who serves as a sergeant with the Roads Policing Unit based at Burpham. During the evening, Sgt Black seized an untaxed car and helped a stranded motorist who had broken down in a live lane just beyond the Hindhead Tunnel.

In late May, Ellie travelled to Epsom to meet Special Sgt Sophie Yeates, who works full-time as a teaching assistant at a Guildford school. Among other incidents, Sgt Yeates was called to two reports involving a concern for welfare during the evening.

Special Constables volunteer within one of the Force’s frontline teams, wearing a uniform and carrying the same powers and responsibilities as regular officers. They complete 14 weeks of training – one evening per week and alternate weekends – to ensure they have the knowledge and skills they need for the role.

In total, Specials are asked to volunteer at least 16 hours per month, although many choose to do more. Sgt Yeates works around 40 hours a month, while Sgt Bancroft volunteers 100 hours.

Ellie said: “The title ‘Special Constable’ is very fitting – it really does take someone special to do this job.

“These men and women give some of their free time to making sure Surrey remains one of the safest counties in the country.

‘It takes someone special’

“I’ve think the role that Specials play is often misunderstood by the public. These volunteers are unpaid, but they wear the same uniform and have the same powers to do everything a police officer does, including making arrests. They are also often among the first to respond to emergencies.

“Joining volunteers on patrol recently has been a really eye-opening experience. It’s been wonderful to hear how much they value their time working with the Force, and the difference it makes to their lives. I’ve also hand the chance to see first-hand their courage and determination to serve the Surrey public.

“So many of the skills learned through volunteering are useful in everyday working life, including conflict resolution, keeping calm under pressure and approaching any situation with confidence.

“We have a brilliant team of Specials across Surrey, as well as many other volunteers, and I want to thank each and every one of them for the work they do to keep our county safe.”

For more information, visit surrey.police.uk/specials

Ellie also joined Special Sgt Jonathan Bancroft, who gives up to 100 hours of his time to Surrey Police every month

Deputy Commissioner supports launch of Safer Communities materials for Surrey teachers

Posted on | by James Smith

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey Ellie Vesey-Thompson has supported the launch of a new programme of community safety education for children in Surrey’s schools.

Aimed at year six pupils aged between 10 and 11 years old, the Safer Communities Programme includes new materials for teachers to use as part of the Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) classes that students receive to stay healthy and prepare for later life.

They have been developed in partnership between Surrey County Council, Surrey Police and Surrey Fire and Rescue Service.

Digital teaching resources available through the programme will boost the education that young people receive on themes including keeping themselves and others safe, protecting their physical and mental health and being a good community member.

Complementing the work of Surrey County Council’s Healthy Schools, the resources follow evidence based and trauma-informed practise principles that are focused on building a strong foundation of personal wellbeing and resilience that young people can use throughout life.

Examples include recognising their right to say ‘no’ or change their mind in a challenging situation, understanding healthy relationships and knowing what to do in an emergency.

Developed with direct feedback from young people and schools over the last year, the programme is being rolled out across all Surrey boroughs in 2023.

It comes after the Commissioner’s team successfully bid for almost £1m of funding from the Home Office that will be used to provide specialist in-school training to deliver classes on preventing violence against women and girls. It also follows the recent launch of Surrey’s new dedicated Youth Commission on Policing and Crime, led by Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson.

Ellie, who leads the Commissioner’s focus on increasing support for and engaging with young people, said: “I am really excited to support this brilliant programme, that will directly enhance the support that teachers across the county can access from the whole community safety partnership in Surrey.

“Our office has worked closely with the Council and partners on this project, that supports the priority in our Police and Crime Plan to improve the opportunities for young people in the county to stay safe and be able to access help when needed.

“We are really pleased that the new materials developed within this project represent the voices of the young people and teachers who will benefit from them, and that they are focused on the early practical skills and resilience that individuals can take into life to tackle a range of situations. I hope these will help deliver memorable lessons that lead to building healthy relationships, discussions on making healthy choices that reduce the vulnerabilities that criminals exploit, and the simple message that the police and others are there for you when you need them.”

Find out more about the programme and request access to the Digital Teaching Resource on the Safer Communities Programme webpage at https://www.healthysurrey.org.uk/community-safety/safer-communities-programme

group photo of 27 Surrey teachers and staff of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey in a training room, after almost one million pounds in funding is provided to provide bespoke training and a campaign to educate children and young people about violence against women and girls

Teachers from 27 Surrey schools join first-ever fully-funded teacher training to tackle violence against women and girls

Posted on | by Alex Winter

TEACHERS from 27 Surrey schools have attended the first in a series of training days that have been fully-funded thanks to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

The programme, which launched last week, will support and empower teachers to build self-confidence in children during Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE) lessons, with the aim of enabling them to live safe and fulfilled lives.

It comes after Commissioner Lisa Townsend’s team secured almost £1million from the Home Office’s What Works Fund to help combat violence against women and girls in Surrey through a series of projects for children and young people.

The issue is a key priority in Lisa’s Police and Crime Plan.

Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson speaks at the first PSHE training session

The funding will work to achieve this ambition by delivering a series of projects for children and young people.

Last week, teachers joined partners from Surrey Police and domestic abuse services for the first of three days of training to support Surrey County Council’s Healthy Schools approach.

The sessions, led by Sarah Lyles, Surrey County Council’s lead for PSHE, Wellbeing and Healthy Schools, and PSHE trainer Joanna Feast of company Clean Well-Being, aim to strengthen PSHE teaching skills through evidence-based and trauma-informed training as part of a society-wide effort to prevent harm to children.

Funding achieved by Lisa’s team will cover all programme materials and certification, training venues in Surrey, refreshments and lunch, as well as £180 a day for participating schools towards supply cover for the full three days.

Sessions are funded by the Home Office thanks to a grant application by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner

Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, who has responsibility for children and young people on the Commissioner’s behalf, attended the first session in Guildford.

She said: “As trusted adults who spend a substantial amount of time with young people at a key time in their development, teachers are an integral part of supporting our young people and tackling violence against women and girls.

“That’s why this training, which will give educators the confidence to discuss issues such as respectful relationships and sexual health, is so important.

“It also helps schools build networks with helpful organisations across Surrey, including those that are dedicated to supporting survivors of abuse. This will ensure greater unity across the system.

“The direct impact of these sessions is that teachers will be empowered to encourage young people to see their own value.

‘So important’

“I hope, in turn, that this positive message will help them lead fulfilling, safe lives, with the resilience they need to thrive.”

Funding for the training, which is backed by Surrey Domestic Abuse Services, the YMCA’s WiSE (What is Sexual Exploitation) programme and the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre, is in place until 2025, and teachers from the first cohort will return for their second session in May. In total, around 100 schools will benefit.

For more information, or to sign your school up for the second cohort, visit Fully Funded PSHE Training Programme for Surrey Schools | Surrey Education Services (surreycc.gov.uk)

Online virtual training will become available for all Surrey teachers to access.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson and representative of Surrey Civilian Military Partnership Board in front of their banner

Deputy Commissioner hears speech by Victoria Cross recipient at key Forces conference

Posted on | by Alex Winter

DEPUTY Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson joined partners at a key event to promote the welfare of Surrey’s services personnel and veterans last week.

The Surrey Armed Forces Covenant Conference 2023, organised by Surrey County Council on behalf of the Surrey Civilian Military Partnership Board, was hosted at the Pirbright Army Training Centre.

The event brought together representatives from across the public, private and third sectors to discuss the contribution made to society by the British Army, Royal Air Force and Royal Navy.

Throughout the day, guests heard speeches from a range of former and current personnel, including WO2 Johnson Beharry VC COG, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for his service in Iraq.

Two children who are supported by the Army Welfare Service and the wife of a serviceman also gave moving accounts of their experiences.

Ellie Vesey-Thompson pictured with WO2 Johnson Beharry VC

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and Surrey Police are working together to achieve silver accreditation under the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Award.

The initiative acts as an assurance that forces personnel and veterans, their spouses and their children are treated with fairness and respect and guarantees the same access to services as any other citizen.

Surrey Police is an armed forces-friendly organisation and aims to support the employment of veterans and their partners. Serving police officers are also supported if they choose to become Reservists or Cadet leaders, and the Force actively participates in Armed Forces Day.

Ellie, who has responsibility for military personnel and veterans in Surrey as part of her remit, said: “The contribution to our society made by servicemen and women should never be forgotten, and WO2 Beharry’s talk was a powerful reminder of how great their sacrifice can be.

‘Never forget’

“Those who are serving or have served in our armed forces deserve all the support we can offer them, and our current bronze status demonstrates our commitment to ensuring those who have served our country are treated fairly.

“I am pleased that further work we have done means that both our office and Surrey Police are preparing to seek silver status in the coming months.

“Many veterans choose to join the police service after leaving the forces, which is something we are proud of.

“Others may struggle to readjust to civilian life, and wherever possible, it is our responsibility to support those who have sacrificed so much.

“I am also mindful of the impact that the lifestyle of military families can have on children and young people growing up, from worries about the safety of a serving parent or guardian to the stress of moving home, changing schools and leaving friends.

“As lead for both Children and Young People and Military and Veterans on the Commissioner’s behalf, I am determined to ensure our team do all we can, alongside our partners, to support these children and young people.”

Helyn Clack, Chair of the Surrey Civilian Military Partnership Board, said: “We are very grateful to Pirbright ATC who once again hosted our annual conference. 

‘Captivating’

“The theme for the event was a journey through the services and we were proud to welcome such fantastic speakers such as WO2 Beharry VC COG, who was captivating in telling us some of his stories, from childhood in Grenada to the UK, before joining the army and carrying out his acts of bravery.

“We also heard from others whose lives have been very much influenced by service life. 

“We were pleased to welcome a vast array of partners who were all keen to find out more information about the outstanding work going on within Surrey to support our armed forces community.

“It’s so important that organisations throughout our county do more to support our veterans, service personnel and their families under our duty of due regard from the Armed Forces Act to ensure they are not disadvantaged.”