Celebrating the vital work of our volunteers

This weekend, there will be parties up and down the country as we celebrate the reign of our longest serving monarch.

And as we reflect on seventy years of public service, we are together in our respect and admiration for the Queen as our finest public servant.

Over the last seven decades the world has seen many changes, but in our country and in the Commonwealth, Her Majesty’s dedicated and sustained service has remained the one constant in our lives.

Whilst the Queen lives a life which is far removed from anything we’ll ever experience, she has endeavoured to get closer to the people she serves to better understand the realities they face.

It’s this commitment to public service which itself has served as an inspiration to many others and it’s fitting that the celebrations fall within Volunteer’s Week, where we commend the work of those who have given up their time to help others.

This has given me the opportunity to take a closer look at the people who volunteer with the ultimate aim of making Wiltshire safer, whether it’s being part of one of many Community Speed Watch teams, manning CCTV control rooms or supporting victims of crime so that they may be in a position to meet the offender who caused them harm, they all play an important part in the criminal justice system.

Their work not only makes a difference to their local communities by supporting our officers, it also frees up our officers time so that they can concentrate on frontline duties.

I’m constantly struck by the outstanding efforts of volunteers which are unpaid and often, unseen. I’d like them to know that without their work, our communities would be worse off and less protected.

Recently, I had the chance to meet Ben Manning. Ben won my “Special Constable of the Year” award and is testament to the professionalism, enthusiasm and commitment of our volunteers. He’s a highly valued member of our team and commands the confidence and respect that I’d expect from any full-time officer. I see people like Ben as being the future of our police force and hope that he, and others like him, will look to make the step into applying for a full time role.

Later this week, we’ll be enjoying a few days off with friends and family to attend street parties where there’ll be sandwiches, cakes and a celebratory glass to toast Her Majesty.

As you raise your glass, please take a moment to reflect on the service she has given us over the last seventy years and the service that others provide for their communities whilst expecting nothing in return.

Published on Monday 30 May 2022