South Wales Police Federation members are invited to put forward an exceptional volunteer in policing for recognition at the 2024 Lord Ferrers Awards.

Outstanding voluntary service to policing from the likes of Special Constables and volunteer police cadets will be acknowledged at a ceremony later this year.

Nominations will be shortlisted before a panel of judges select a winner and runner-up in 11 individual and team categories. A set of criteria, which specifies a high-quality piece of work, a measurable impact and an inspiring contribution, will be used by judges to determine which nominees will be commended at the awards evening on 5 December.

Federation chair Phil Walker said: “The Lord Ferrers Awards are a great way to celebrate the invaluable work of volunteers within the Police Force and I think it is only right that our volunteers have a night to be appreciated.

“I would encourage Federation members to think about the voluntary colleagues around them and how they may make their life easier through their commitment – and if there is someone who springs to mind, get nominating today.”

The awards will recognise achievement in the following categories:

• Ferrers Special Constabulary – Individual Award: Open to individual Special Constables who have demonstrated a sustained and significant contribution to policing and/or their communities.

• Ferrers Special Constabulary – Team Award: Open to teams of Special Constables who have demonstrated a sustained and significant contribution to policing and/or their communities.

• Police Support Volunteer – Individual Award: Open to individual Police Support Volunteers who have demonstrated a significant and sustained contribution to policing and/or their communities.

• Police Support Volunteer – Team Award: Open to teams of Police Support Volunteers who have worked together to make a significant and sustained contribution to policing and/or their communities.

• Volunteer Police Cadet – Individual Award: Open to individual Volunteer Police Cadets who have demonstrated a significant and sustained contribution to youth led social action in support of policing and/or their communities.

• Volunteer Police Cadet – Team Award: Open to teams of Volunteer Police Cadets who have worked together to make a significant and sustained contribution to youth led social action in support of policing and/or their communities.

• Employer Supported Policing Award: Open to organisations who support policing through local or national initiatives as well as supporting employees who volunteer within policing.

• Leadership Award: Open to individual Special Constables, Police Support Volunteers and Volunteer Police Cadet Leaders who have demonstrated a significant and sustained contribution to leadership.

• Innovation Award – Individual or Team: Open to Special Constables, Police Support Volunteers, Volunteer Police Cadets or any other volunteer involved in policing. The award recognises innovative contributions volunteers have made in support of policing and/or their communities.

• Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) Volunteer – Individual or Team: Open to OPCC volunteers who have demonstrated a significant and sustained contribution to policing and/or their communities.

• Volunteering in Partnership Award – Individual or Team: Open to Special Constables, Police Support Volunteers, Volunteer Police Cadets or any other volunteer involved in policing. This award recognises volunteers who have demonstrated a significant and positive contribution to working with others in partnership for the benefit of their communities.

The window for nominations will close at midnight on 8 September. Shortlisting and selection will then take place from late September to early November ahead of the awards ceremony itself.

Federation members can access a nomination form from the Home Office website.