Head of Research and Review (Secondment), Vulnerability Knowledge and Practice Programme (VKPP)

Secondment to the national Vulnerability Knowledge and Practice Programme (VKPP), the UK policing programme responsible for strengthening responses to vulnerability across England and Wales.
Led the Research and Review function, establishing and directing a national programme of applied research focused on policing responses to vulnerability, including violence against women and girls, child protection, and exploitation. This included commissioning and overseeing research, synthesising national and international evidence, and translating findings into actionable insights for policing strategy, policy, and frontline practice.

The role contributed directly to National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) priorities and national policing standards, shaping evidence-informed approaches to vulnerability and victim-centred practice. Work included leadership of major evidence syntheses (including analysis of over 120 statutory safeguarding reviews), oversight of research informing Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel outputs, and development of national guidance on embedding victim and survivor voice in policing.

This secondment strengthened police–academic collaboration and supported the development of child-centred, trauma-informed, and equity-focused approaches across policing systems.