Double success for Essex volunteers at the 2024 Lord Ferrers Awards

An Essex firm has won a top award for the support it provides to Essex Police Special Constabulary.

Even the chief executive of East Tilbury-based British Institute of Kitchen Bedroom and Bathroom Installation (BIKBBI) is a Special.

Also recognised at the Lord Ferrers Awards, which highlight the achievements of volunteers in policing across the country, was Richard Wicks, a volunteer with the Essex Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (OPFCC).

The Home Office event, hosted by Sir Martyn Lewis earlier this month, focuses on truly outstanding commitment to volunteering in local communities.

The Employer Supported Policing (ESP) category is open to organisations which support policing through local or national initiatives, or who support their employees who volunteer within policing, eg as Specials.

BIKBBI CEO Damian Walters, himself an Essex Police Special Sergeant, says:

"We're thrilled to have been involved in the Lord Ferrers Awards in recognition of our ESP employer status.”

And he emphasises the fact that firms who give their employees time to volunteer as Specials also benefit because of the policing skills they learn during that time.

Damian says:

“The important role participating employers play in the scheme is invaluable and the benefits to their businesses and our local communities vast.
“We would strongly recommend that employers consider participation in Employer Supported Policing.”

Les Hawkins, our Specials Supported Policing Champion, says he’s delighted at BIKBBI’s recognition but adds:

“Every business that takes part in our Employer Supported Policing scheme deserves a big thank you for their commitment and support of staff who volunteer to police in their local communities."  

BIKBBI was represented at the Lord Ferrers Awards by employee and Essex Police Special Constable Claire Walters.

Richard Wicks has been volunteering with the Essex OPFCC since its inception in 2012. He initially began volunteering for the PFCC’s forerunner, Essex Police Authority, the year before.

He donates around 20 hours a month in four volunteering roles: Essex Independent Custody Visiting Scheme co-ordinator; restorative justice support administrator for the Essex Restorative and Mediation Service; chair of Essex Country Fire and Rescue Service’s LGBTQ+ BEING; and as an executive member of Essex LGBTQ+ network.

Naming him the winner in his category, judges said he had displayed a significant and sustained contribution to policing and the community.

Katarzyna Grabka, the PFCC’s Independent Custody Visiting & Animal Welfare Scheme manager, nominated Richard. She says:

“Richard’s dedication and natural drive to make positive changes in the lives of thousands of people is truly inspirational.
“He has been an integral part of our service for over a decade and I’m really pleased to see him being recognised on a national level. It’s a prestigious award and thoroughly deserved.”

Volunteering with Essex Police

You can find out more about the Employer Supported Policing scheme, where your firm supports its employees who wish to become, or who alreaday are, Specials.

The roles Richard Wicks volunteers for are just a few of the volunteering opportunities we have at Essex Police.

Specials have the same police powers, uniforms and equipment as regular police officers but volunteer their time to help people and communities across Essex. They don't get paid for their police work but they are reimbursed for expenses. Find out more about what being a Special entails.