Volunteer Awards 2025

Here at Crimestoppers, we believe everyone has the right to feel safe from crime, wherever they live. 

Our unique service gives people the power to speak up and stop crime – 100% anonymously. We couldn’t engage with the communities that need our service most without the help of our volunteers.

That’s why we launched the Crimestoppers Volunteer Awards, now in their sixth year.

Entries this year were judged by our CEO Mark Hallas, Volunteer Manager Silvia Vergara, Trustee Peter Clarke and Lead Volunteer Phil O’Shea, week commencing 5th May.

...and we're delighted to announce our winners!

After reading through all the nominations, the judges agreed that the quality of the nominees was incredibly impressive, and coming to their decisions was once again a challenging, and humbling, task.

Click or tap here to find out who was Highly Commended.

The Carolyn Randall Volunteer of the Year Award

For an individual volunteer who stands out and has an inspirational story relating to their Crimestoppers experience.

Joint Winner - Alan Pritchard, Scotland Committee

‘Scotland is classed as 97% rural and Alan personally visited nearly 100 farms to chat to farmers and landowners, introduce them to CS and share our postcards and leaflets. His feedback is vital for CS and for police, and he is so brilliant with the public and really enjoys staffing outreach stands.’

Alan has changed everyone’s perception of just how invaluable volunteering is for our charity. He goes beyond just 'giving time' and never stops, always asking 'What's coming up?' 'Can I do a stall here?' 'Can I come and help with this?' His public interaction skills, coupled with his kind, gentle manner have fostered real, meaningful connections with police and partners and he is a real asset to the CS volunteering offer in Scotland. Alan holidays in Scotland and during his breaks he arranges visits to local police. So far, he has helped us engage with police and partners on Orkney, Shetland, Mull and Skye. We have the best photos of a cheery, but windswept, Alan standing with Police Scotland outside small, stone police stations!              

Alan is a ‘shining beacon’ of what a volunteer represents for our charity. The breadth of activity he is involved with in both city and rural locations is quite staggering. He also manages to find time to volunteer as a driver for the Police Federation’s wellbeing centre, proving therapeutic activities for officers suffering significant trauma.

Joint Winner - Monica Sharp, West Mercia Committee 

‘Monica has worked tirelessly throughout her years supporting the West Mercia committee. Monica works full time but also attends all of West Mercia events, playing a pivotal role in her commitment to long days and weekend events.’ 

Monica has a variety of skills and experience, including a vast knowledge around domestic violence and abuse. This has been extremely beneficial when thinking about the content and tone of campaigns. Monica is a very humble and caring lady and quite often shrugs off praise from the rest of the committee, but she naturally brings so much to the committee and gives a lot of her time to ensure the West Mercia region is aware of our service. Monica delivers campaigns around DA, and she tailors those campaigns to reach different communities.

Monica has been involved in great work for a long period of time. Her passion for campaigning on very difficult subjects, and with very limited funds, is truly commendable.

Committee of the Year Award

This award is given to a committee which has made a significant impact over the last 12 months through delivering a demonstrably effective community engagement initiative or campaign, and/or a local 'signs to spot' campaign.

Winner - Wiltshire Committee

‘At the end of December 2024, the number of reports received for Wiltshire Police had increased by 12% on the previous year. A large part of this increase was down to the work of the newly formed Wiltshire Volunteer Committee.’

The volunteers on the committee have been particularly effective at taking part in community engagement events - attending whatever the weather! Early on, they recognised the need for all weather event kit and they were successful in applying for funding of £3,197 to enable the purchase of an outdoor gazebo, leaflet holders, leaflets and promotional giveaways so that they could ensure a high profile presence at each event (and also keep dry!).  
 They have attended more than ten community engagement events in the last year. At each event they enthusiastically talk to members of the public – but they also make excellent connections with partners and other organisations, which often lead to funding opportunities or simply raise the profile of the work of the charity. 

The commitment in such a short space of time is exceptional. To raise their own funds, increase their volunteer numbers, attend so many events, tirelessly network and increase reporting in CS Zones by 142% makes this award very well deserved.

Youth Volunteer Award

For a volunteer under 25 years old who has developed a new skill as a result of their Crimestoppers/ Fearless experience and/or has gone above and beyond in their volunteer role.

Winner - Saffron Buckler, West Country Committee

‘We have gained hundreds of new social media followers since Saffron joined us. Even though she has a very busy study schedule, she makes time to upload content every week.’

Saffron is a really helpful, polite and diligent young person who goes that extra mile to help her community. At such a young age she already embodies our charity values that we care, are inclusive, trustworthy and determined, and Saffron really cares about her community. When her studies allow, she also joins other volunteers and the RM at face-to-face engagement activity.

Saffron takes such a diligent approach to her social media postings for the committee. Her passion for the community in which she lives is demonstrated by her willingness to be involved and the pride she feels in that involvement.

Fundraiser of the Year Award

This award is given to an individual or committee for tireless and inspirational charity fundraising.

Winner - Peter Rolington, Kent Committee  

‘Since Peter Rolington joined the Crimestoppers Kent team more than ten years ago and subsequently as Chair, his unspoken philosophy has been to influence those who have influence in the county.’

Peter has made huge and significant gains for the charity over the years, including regular funding from Kent PCC and police and prior to that funding through the council. He has been instrumental in gaining funds for a Fearless worker in Kent following a meeting with the PCC in one of his other volunteer roles. He always keeps Crimestoppers in his mind when doing other volunteer roles, and a recent conversation with a contact at a Neighbourhood Watch meeting resulted in Peter gaining 12 months funding of £40,000 for a new Fearless worker in the county.

Peter’s tireless persistence coupled with his easy manner have seen the Kent committee raise significant funding over the years. To secure funding from an independent source for a Fearless worker for a whole year is a truly unique achievement.

Unsung Hero Award

Behind the scenes, making it work… administrative support, treasurers, social media and any other volunteer roles considered.

Winner - Keith Lebihan, London Strategic Board

‘His friendly positive approach, dedication, and genuine care for others shine through in everything he does. He’s a familiar, trusted face at community events and a real team player, always happy to help however he can.’

Keith has been a dedicated and committed volunteer since joining our London Board 3 years ago. Despite managing ongoing health issues, Keith never lets that stop him from showing up and making a difference. Keith has contributed many ideas for activities helping us to raise awareness of CS and Fearless with partners and members of the community. Keith has also attended a number of community events representing our committee and made contacts and networks which have increased our reach and impact in London. Keith will independently research and use his contacts to seek new routes for engagement, in particular his work with his local boxing club, where he promotes Fearless with the staff and young people.

Keith’s independent approach in making contact with those communities that need us the most and his subsequent engagement in those communities is testament to his compassion and desire to help others.

The Colin Dobinson Community Ambassador Award

Winner - Lewis Gittins, Wiltshire Committee

‘Lewis is also very willing to help other local committees with their Ambassador programme, speaking at volunteer meetings and visiting Central Office to take part in the Ambassador relaunch.’

Lewis single-handedly looks after all the Ambassador organisations in Wiltshire, of which there are around 25. The area was an early adopter of the Crimestoppers Ambassador programme and Lewis has been there from the beginning. He has helped recruit new ambassador organisations and he also keeps in regular contact with all of our Ambassadors. Wiltshire Ambassadors include schools, leisure centres, local councils, army welfare services and local charities working with vulnerable people. 

There couldn’t be a more entirely fitting recipient of this new award than Lewis. Despite his young age he has been involved with Crimestoppers for a number of years and his commitment to Community Ambassadors is remarkable considering his university work, employment and other volunteering activities.

Lifetime Achievement Award

For exceptionally passionate individuals who have demonstrated ongoing commitment to our cause.

Winner - Bill South, Chair London Strategic Board

‘Bill brings a wealth of experience and dedicated commitment to the charity. He has provided invaluable focus and direction to the committee, ensuring our efforts stay aligned with our mission and values and have real, measurable impact across the capital.’ 

Bill actively supports the London Regional Manager, always available to offer guidance, ideas, and a steady hand. Beyond the day-to-day, Bill is constantly looking for new opportunities - especially around funding. He works closely with commercial partners and stakeholders to identify and pursue sustainable funding options that help secure the future of Crimestoppers work. His strategic insight, calm leadership, and collaborative spirit have made a lasting difference to Crimestoppers in London. Bill holds the helm with a steady hand and always has a clear focus.

Bill’s leadership as Chair of the London Board has a number of challenges due to the scale of the capital, but Bill always rises to the challenge and has been instrumental in a huge number of successful campaigns and in forging vital connections and networks. Bill’s invaluable support to the Regional Manager ensures that campaigns and projects can be funded and implemented successfully across the London area.

CEO's Corporate Award

Winner - Severnside Community Rail Partnership

‘The support received from Severnside Community Rail Partnership with Heather Cullimore as their lead has been instrumental in building connection and getting the Crimestoppers message across the South West through rail networks and community focused initiatives.’

Crimestoppers in the West Country has continually partnered with Severnside over the years, working creatively to reach people and new communities who use the rail network. This has included;: holding Communitea’s within dedicated rail carriages during the charity’s 30-year celebration, working with Unique Voice CIC to create the project ‘Journey Tails’ and working with young people showcasing Crimestoppers and Fearless. Severnside has championed Crimestoppers within the national rail network and through Great Western Railway – being recognised in national awards and sponsoring many West Country campaigns.  

Corporate Social Responsibility programmes like Severnside offer invaluable opportunities for charities, such as Crimestoppers, to reach a wider audience. Heather Cullimore has become a vital part of the West Country committee and makes a real positive difference in raising the profile of the charity.

Discover more about volunteering for Crimestoppers here

Highly Commended

The Carolyn Randall Volunteer of the Year Award

Alan BlackTony Doherty

Unsung Hero Award

Christian Wewer

Youth Volunteer

Simran Hear

Lifetime Achievement Award

Lynne Hack

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2 June 2025