APComm Awards 2025 - Winners
Creativity, commitment and expertise in crisis response have all been recognised at the Association of Police Communicators Awards 2025.
The annual awards were held on Wednesday 26 November as part of the APComm Academy, a national CPD event that brings police communicators together every Autumn.
This year there were a record number of nominations across seven categories.
The judges came from across policing, government and media, and praised the innovation and leadership demonstrated in the submissions.
The winners for each category are as follows:
- Working in Partnership – National Crime Agency
- Issues, Crisis, or Public Confidence – Merseyside Police
- Campaign of the Year – Thames Valley Police
- Innovation Use of Media Platforms – Counter Terrorism Policing
- Inspirational Leader – Carrie-Anne Hayter, South Wales Police
- Employee Engagement Initiative – National Crime Agency
- Lifetime Achievement – Donna Dawber, Merseyside Police
Amongst the winners was Donna Dawber, Head of News at Merseyside Police, who took home a lifetime achievement award for her incredible commitment to police communications.
There was also recognition for Thames Valley Police’s “It Does Matter” campaign, which saw the team work with Lisa Squire, the mother of student Libby Squire who was murdered in 2019.
Hosting the awards, Co-Chair of APComm Clare Mills said:
“Every day, police communicators play a vital role in UK policing and how forces and organisations connect with their communities.
“Whilst increasingly under the spotlight, their work makes a real difference and can lead to incredible results, both operationally, but also by ensuring policing has a clear public voice where and when it matters.
“It was brilliant to see so many nominations this year, the most we’ve ever had, and the range of work, campaigns, and expertise was unprecedented. The ceremony saw colleagues supporting colleagues, but also championing the work of our industry, which is great to be part of.
“I’d like to thank all of our judges who took the time to carefully consider the nominations and say well done to all our winners and runners up.”
NPCC Lead for Communications, Deputy Chief Constable, Sam De Reya, said:
“It was an absolute privilege to be involved in the APComm Awards this year and to be exposed to some of the incredible work taking place across this often-unsung area of policing.
“As a senior officer, I am fully aware of the critical role that police communicators play and the hard work and commitment they apply every single day.
“All of our winners and runners up should be so proud of their awards, but also of the work they do to strengthen our connection with our communities – both in crisis and peacetime.”