TVP Recognised for Innovation and Inclusion at National Awards

We are proud to announce that Thames Valley Police has been recognised for its forward-thinking approach to digital transformation and inclusion at the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) Innovation and Digital Awards 2025, held during the Innovation and Digital Summit in Liverpool from 20–22 October.  

The awards celebrate the work happening across UK policing to improve services through science, data and technology. With entries from forces nationwide, Thames Valley Police stood out in three categories – taking home one award and being named finalists in two others. 

Award Winner: Women in Technology Initiative 

In partnership with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, our force won the Enabling Diversity & Inclusion in Science and Technology category for its Women in Technology Initiative, led by Head of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Governance & Assurance Claire Finn in the Joint ICT Department. 

Launched in August 2023, the initiative began as informal lunchtime catch-ups and has grown into a structured programme with a dedicated committee, mentoring, coaching, guest speakers, and a focus on increasing female representation in tech roles. Thanks to this work, female representation in the department has risen from 15% to 26%, exceeding the industry standard and improving diversity at all levels – including senior management. 

Claire Finn explained:

“We set up a ‘Women in Tech’ working group involving all the women in the department, with a small sub-committee driving initiatives forward. We have clear directed recruitment, individual mentorship opportunities, inspiring speakers, and initiatives around male allyship and active bystander training. Our Director of ICT has allocated budget to support training and development especially designed for females, and we’re proud of the positive impact this has had across the department.” 

The group also encourages open discussion on topics brought forward by its members, such as how ADHD presents in females, creating a safe and inclusive space for learning and support. The initiative is now looking to expand its reach to other digital and tech teams across the force. 

Finalists in Two Additional Categories 

We were also named a finalist in two other categories: 

• Cyber-Security: For its Phishing Simulation Initiative, designed to improve awareness and resilience across the organisation. 

• Enabling Diversity & Inclusion in Science and Technology: For the Joint ICT People Strategy, which supports inclusive leadership and development across the Joint ICT Department. 

John Faux, Director of ICT, said:

“I’m proud of the work carried out by my teams and the deserved nominations and win. JICT has focused on diversity and inclusiveness for a number of years with our people strategy, and we have an overall 96% great place to work score from our employee base proving that the work we are doing is making a difference to our teams”.

Chief Digital & Information Officer Mike Lattanzio also commented:

“It was great to see our Joint ICT Department get through as finalists at the NPCC Digital Awards and fantastic to see so many people attending the awards dinner from across our 43 Forces with nominations across 8 categories overall. A fantastic evening and great to see recognition for some truly superb work across Policing, very proud of all our teams that were nominated!” 

These recognitions reflect the force’s ongoing commitment to innovation, inclusion, and continuous improvement in how it serves the public. 

A Culture of Progress 

The NPCC Innovation and Digital Summit brought together policing and industry leaders to explore the future of policing. Thames Valley Police’s success at the awards highlights the impact of collaboration, creativity and a culture that supports people to thrive. 

Congratulations to all the winners, finalists and nominees. 

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If you’re inspired by the work of our teams and want to be part of Thames Valley Police, visit our careers website to find out more: Thames Valley Police: A career to be proud of – TVP Careers