THAMES Valley’s Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber has marked Volunteers’ Week for 2026.
Volunteers’ Week is an annual UK-wide campaign held from the first Monday in June to celebrate and recognise the contributions of volunteers.
Launched in 1984, this initiative has been running for over 40 years, providing organisations and communities a platform to thank current and past volunteers for their invaluable efforts.
“Volunteers generously contribute their time, skills and experience to communities and causes every day and policing is no exception.
“Special Constables, Cadets, Police Support Volunteers (PSVs), puppy socialisers and Community Speedwatch volunteers all dedicate their own time to help Thames Valley Police keep our communities safe while volunteer chaplains provide pastoral, spiritual, and emotional support to officers, staff, and their families.
“My office also manages several independent scrutiny groups, where volunteers support me in my duty to scrutinise Thames Valley Police, and oversees the Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) scheme.
“ICVs are volunteers from the local community who make unannounced visits to police custody suites to check on the welfare of detainees and monitor the condition of the cells. In the first three months of this year, our ICV’s collectively undertook 72 visits to Thames Valley Police’s 6 custody suites.
“Both our ICV’s and scrutiny group volunteers play a critical role in building trust and confidence in local policing. Their integrity and independent insight help shape a more transparent and responsive police service.
“I also want to acknowledge the role of Street Pastors and Search and Rescue teams, both of whom are supported through my Community Fund, that sit outside of policing but fulfil a critical role supporting the police and responding to emergencies.
“And those volunteering within our victims’ services to help victim-survivors recover and rebuild after crime.
“National Volunteers’ Week provides an opportunity to recognise the important role volunteers play in shaping and supporting policing across the Thames Valley. They are an essential part of the policing family, and I thank them for their invaluable contribution.”
