Category: Deputy Commissioner

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.”

Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson with representatives of Eikon Charity in front of graffiti wall with word Eikon

Deputy Commissioner visits young people’s charity helping parents start conversations about online safety

Posted on | by Alex Winter

Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson has visited a charity dedicated to supporting young people in Surrey as the organisation launches seminars on internet safety.

The Eikon Charity, which has offices at Fullbrook School in Addlestone, provides long-term advice and care to children and young people who need emotional and wellbeing support.

In recent weeks, parents and carers have been invited to join online seminars that will help them build the confidence to have conversations with children about keeping safe online. A free guide is also available, which has been downloaded by families around the world.

The new initiative marks the latest addition to the charity’s offerings. Eikon, which accepts both self-referrals and referrals from Mindworks – formerly known as Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services (CAMHS) – works in schools and communities across seven Surrey boroughs.

Youth support practitioners from Eikon are based in five schools as part of the Smart Schools programme, while early intervention co-ordinators are embedded in three boroughs. The charity also trains youth mentors – or Head Smart Wellbeing Ambassadors – to support their peers.

The charity has seen increasing demand from young people suffering with their mental health as a result of the pandemic.

Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson with representatives of Eikon Charity in front of graffiti wall with word Eikon



Ellie said: “The safety of our children and young people online is an ever growing concern, and keeping them safe is everyone’s responsibility.

“While the internet and other advances in technology undoubtedly bring many benefits, it also provides means for perpetrators to exploit young people for unthinkable intentions, including online grooming and child sexual abuse.

“I was really pleased to hear from Eikon about their work to support and advise parents and carers on keeping children and young people safe online through their seminars and other resources.

“Anyone can sign up for free to learn more about how to keep young people as safe as possible when they’re online.

“The Commissioner and I, along with our whole team, are dedicated to supporting the county’s children. Last year, the team successfully bid for £1million of Home Office funding, which will be used primarily to educate young people on the harms of violence against women and girls.

“This money will be used to harness the power of young people through their Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) lessons. It will also pay for a separate campaign aimed at creating a cultural shift in the entrenched attitudes that lead to this type of criminality, and to support a number of charities that help survivors of violence.

“I’m really pleased to see that organisations such as Eikon are offering other brilliant resources, such as these parent seminars, that complement these new plans. All of us working together and offering support to children and young people, as well as parents and carers, is key to keeping our young people safe.”

Caroline Blake, Schools Programme Coordinator for Eikon, said: “Supporting Safer Internet Day – which has the theme ‘Want to talk about it? Making space for conversations about online life’ – has allowed us as Eikon to raise the profile of how important it is to connect with our children and young people about their online activity.

“In an ever-evolving world, our guide offers easy-to-follow, practical tips on how to support families to learn from each other and create healthy habits and conversations about their online usage.”

For more information on Eikon, visit eikon.org.uk.

You can also access Eikon’s webinars and obtain the free guide by visiting eikon.org.uk/safer-internet-day/

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson with police officers and children in football kit at the Chelsea Football club

Deputy Commissioner joins Surrey Police’s women’s football team at Chelsea training ground for “brilliant” kick-about

Posted on | by James Smith

DEPUTY Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson joined the Surrey Police women’s football team at Chelsea FC’s Cobham training base last week.

During the event, around 30 officers and staff from the Force – all of whom had given up their free time to attend – trained with girls’ football teams from Notre Dame School in Cobham and Blenheim High School in Epsom.

They also answered the young players’ questions and spoke about their service in Surrey communities.

Ellie, the country’s youngest Deputy Commissioner, is soon to announce a new football initiative for young people in partnership with Chelsea Foundation.

She said: “I was so pleased to join players from Surrey Police Women’s Football Team on at Chelsea FC’s training ground, where they had the chance to play alongside young female players from two Surrey schools.

“They also had brilliant chats with the young players about growing up in Surrey and their plans for the future.

“One of the key priorities in the Police and Crime Plan is to strengthen relationships between Surrey Police and residents. Part of my remit is to engage with young people, and I believe it’s crucial that their voices are heard and listened to, and that they have the opportunities they need to flourish.

“Sport, culture and the arts can be hugely effective ways to improve the lives of young people around the county. That’s why we’re preparing to announce new funding for a brand new football initiative in the coming weeks.”

‘Brilliant’

Surrey Police officer Christian Winter, who manages the Force’s women’s teams, said: “It’s been a fantastic day and I’m so pleased with how it’s all turned out.

“Being part of a football team can bring huge benefits, from mental health and physical wellbeing to confidence and friendship.

“The Force’s women’s team also had a chance to meet young people from nearby schools, and we hosted a Q&A so our officers could chat to them about their future aspirations and answer any queries on policing they might have.

“It helps us break down boundaries and improve our relationships with young people in Surrey.”

Keith Harmes, Chelsea Foundation’s Area Manager for Surrey and Berkshire, organised the event in order to bring together female footballers from a range of backgrounds.

“Female football is growing massively, and that’s something we’re really proud to be involved with,” he said.

“Football can make a huge difference to a young person’s discipline and confidence.”

Taylor Newcombe and Amber Fazey, both serving officers who play on the women’s team, called the day an “amazing opportunity”.

Taylor said: “It was a great opportunity to get together as a big group who may not cross paths during work days, get to know new people, build friendships, and play a sport we love while using the best facilities in the country.”

Stuart Millard, director of Blenheim High School’s football academy, thanked the Surrey Police teams for their support.

‘It’s about taking the barriers away’

“We’re seeing that sporty children are picking up football earlier than they used to,” he said.

“Five years ago, we had six or seven girls at trials. Now it’s more like 50 or 60.

“There’s been a huge cultural shift around the concept of girls playing the sport, and it’s just fantastic to see that.

“For us, it’s about taking the barriers away. If we can do that early enough in sport, then when the girls are 25 and coming across a barrier at work, they know they’ll be able to break it down for themselves.”

group photo of Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend with Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, police officer and local councillors

Commissioner joins community meetings around Surrey to discuss the issues that matter most to residents

Posted on | by Alex Winter

SURREY’S Police and Crime Commissioner has been visiting communities around the county to discuss the policing issues that matter most to residents.

Lisa Townsend regularly speaks at meetings in Surrey’s towns and villages, and in the past fortnight has addressed packed halls in Thorpe, alongside Runneymede’s Borough Commander James Wyatt, Horley, where she was joined by Borough Commander Alex Maguire, and Lower Sunbury, which was also attended by Sergeant Matthew Rogers.

This week, she will speak at the Merstham Community Hub in Redhill on Wednesday, March 1 between 6pm and 7pm.

Her Deputy, Ellie Vesey-Thompson, will address Long Ditton residents at the Surbiton Hockey Club between 7pm and 8pm on the same day.

On March 7, both Lisa and Ellie will speak to residents in Cobham, and a further meeting is set to take place in Pooley Green, Egham on March 15.

All of Lisa and Ellie’s community events are now available to view by visiting surrey-pcc.gov.uk/about-your-commissioner/residents-meetings/

Lisa said: “Speaking with Surrey residents about the issues that most concern them is one of the most important roles to be tasked to me when I was elected as Commissioner.

“A key priority in my Police and Crime Plan, which sets out the issues that matter most for residents, is to work with communities so they feel safe.

“Since the beginning of the year, Ellie and I have been able to answer questions about anti-social behaviour in Farnham, speeding drivers in Haslemere and business crime in Sunbury, to name just a few.

“During each meeting, I’m joined by officers from the local policing team, who are able to provide answers and reassurance on operational issues.

“These events are hugely important, both for me and for residents.

“I would encourage anyone with comments or concerns to either attend one of the meetings, or to organise one of their own.

“I will always be glad to attend and speak to all residents directly about the issues that have an impact on their lives.”

For more information, or to sign up to Lisa’s monthly newsletter, visit surrey-pcc.gov.uk

Applications open for fully-funded teacher training to tackle violence against women and girls

Posted on | by Alex Winter

Schools in Surrey are invited to apply for a new teacher training programme which has been fully funded thanks to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

The programme, which will begin in March, aims to build self-confidence in children 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. The issue is one of the key priorities in Lisa’s Police and Crime Plan.

All of the funding will be spent on a series of projects for children and young people. At the heart of the programme is new specialist training for teachers delivering Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education, supporting Surrey County Council’s Healthy Schools approach.

Teachers will join key partners from Surrey Police and domestic abuse services for three days of training, which will address effective teaching and learning in PSHE, alongside opportunities to work with other organisations.

The funding will cover all programme materials and certification, training venues within Surrey, and lunch and other refreshments. Participating schools will also receive £180 a day towards supply cover for the full three days.

Lisa said: “I believe this training will help end the scourge of violence against women and girls by encouraging young people to see their own worth.

“I hope it will support them to lead fulfilling lives, long after they leave the classroom.

Funding boost

“This funding will also help join the dots between schools and other services in Surrey. We want to ensure greater unity across the entire system, so those who need help can always be sure they’ll get it.”

During 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, teachers will be given additional support to reduce students’ risk of becoming either victim or abuser. Students will learn how to value their physical and mental health, their relationships and their own wellbeing.

Funding for the programme is in place until 2025.

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner has already allocated around half of its Community Safety Fund to protect children and young people from harm, strengthen their relationships with police and provide help and advice when needed.

For more information, visit Fully Funded PSHE Training Programme for Surrey Schools | Surrey Education Services (surreycc.gov.uk)

The application deadline for the first 2022/23 cohort is February 10. Further intakes will be welcomed in the future. There will also be online virtual training available for all Surrey teachers to access.

Competition launched as Commissioner’s Office seeks young person to lead rebrand project

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

The Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office has launched a competition inviting young people across Surrey to submit their designs for the Office’s new logo.

The winner of the three-week competition will be offered the opportunity to then work alongside a leading Surrey design agency to bring their idea to life and will receive an iPad Pro and Apple Pencil to support their future journey in design.

The competition is part of the rebrand of the Commissioner’s Office this spring and follows the commitment of Commissioner Lisa Townsend and Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson to encourage more opportunities for children and young people in Surrey.

A Competition Pack including more information on how to get involved is available here.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, who is leading the Office’s focus on children and young people, said: “Myself and the team are really excited to see the valuable contribution that young people in Surrey will bring to this project as we develop our new visual identity.

“Ahead of the publication of the Commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan in December, we heard from residents, including young people, who said they wanted us to engage better and more widely.

Happy smiling girl in glasses alongside decorative font and iPad and Apple Pencil pop up. Win an iPad Pro and a one week placement tocreate our branding with a leading Surrey design agency. Find out more www.surrey-pcc.gov.uk/design-us

“The competition will offer a fantastic opportunity for one of the brilliant young people in our county to develop highly valued skills in design, while extending our reach to young people whose voices we want to actively include in our plans for Surrey. It also forms a part of the commitment of the Office to strengthen how we communicate with all residents, specifically to grow more awareness of the role of the Commissioner, our partners and Surrey Police in representing their views and creating a safer county.”

The competition will close at midnight on Thursday, 31 March 2022. Entrants must be between the ages of 15 and 25 years old and live in Surrey to take part.

Organisations working with young people in Surrey are encouraged to promote the competition to their networks by downloading a Partner Pack.