The office of the Kent Police and Crime Commissioner (KPCC) has expressed delight at being involved with the judging process of the Kent Volunteering Awards.

KPCC chief finance officer Rob Phillips highlighted the importance of volunteers to the county’s police force, singling out in particular the contribution made by unpaid special constables.

He said: “We’re delighted to be involved with the Kent Volunteering Awards.

“Our organisation works closely with Kent police and other emergency services.

“Within Kent police you’ve got the specials, who are an incredible group of men and women who go out and do pretty much anything that a normal police officer can do.

“But they do it voluntarily they do it on top of the day job that they already do. They put in an incredible amount of hours.

“We get more out of our volunteers in Kent Police than any other force in the country.”

The awards provide a perfect opportunity to recognise the work of people doing unpaid work in often unglamorous but hugely important areas relating to crime and policing.

Potential nominees might include people volunteering with charities providing support for victims of crime, domestic abuse or human trafficking; members of neighbourhood watch or street pastor schemes; individuals working with young people at risk of being drawn into crime; and volunteers for organisations promoting the rehabilitation or recovery of offenders or individuals with addiction issues.

Organised, by the KM Charity Team, the awards aim to celebrate the work of volunteers across Kent, Medway, Bexley and Bromley.

Besides the Kent Police and Crime Commissioner, they are supported by the Kent Community Foundation, Pfizer R&D UK Limited, the EKC Group, the Lord Lieutenant of Kent, Stronger Kent Communities, National Lottery Awards for All and Maidstone Borough Council.

Anybody can submit awards nominations for either individuals or teams of volunteers, and the deadline for doing so is October 18.

See Kentvolunteeringawards.co.uk for more information or to submit a nomination. And watch a video in which Mr Phillips talks about the awards here: