Shining a spotlight on policing innovators

Taking place as part of the NPCC Innovation and Digital Summit, these awards are an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the officers and staff across forces who are embracing technology and digital excellence to improve policing and enhance public safety.

Nominations are open until 31 May and will be judged by representatives from the NPCC, Office of the Police Chief Scientific Adviser, Police Digital Service and NPCC partner techUK.

With eleven categories, the awards will celebrate achievements in the following areas:

Excellence in Innovation: Recognising individuals or teams whose innovative approaches have delivered clear value and measurable impact for policing and the public.

Excellence in Cyber Security: Recognising those who go the extra mile to protect police systems and data.

Excellence in Business Change: Celebrating individuals or teams who have successfully led and/or supported transformative business change using digital, data, or technology.

Excellence in Productivity & Value: Highlighting individuals or teams who deliver measurable savings while enhancing service quality.

Excellence in Collaboration: Recognising nominees who work with partners to reduce duplication, share learning and collaborate with forces and organisations to deliver solutions that support policing and enhance public safety.

Excellence in Learning and Development: Recognising those who support the growth and professional development of others in the digital, data, and technology fields.

Digital Equity or Wellbeing Champion: Honouring individuals or teams who utilise digital, data, or technology solutions to improve accessibility, inclusion, equity, or wellbeing across the workforce.

Innovation and Digital Ambassador: Shining a light on those who lead by example, empowering colleagues and championing digital adoption.

Innovation and Digital Leader 2026: Recognising outstanding leadership, regardless of rank or role, in the advancement of science and technology within policing.

Resilience in Innovation: This award recognises an individual or team who has demonstrated exceptional courage and resilience by embracing failure as a catalyst for innovation.

Pioneer of Policing Data: This award celebrates an individual or team who combine vision, innovation, and exceptional collaboration to advance the use of policing data.

Chief Constable Rob Carden, NPCC Lead for Digital, Data and Technology, said:

“I’m delighted to be welcoming delegates back to Merseyside for this year’s NPCC Innovation and Digital Awards, taking place in the heart of the city at Liverpool landmark St Georges Hall, an iconic building steeped in history with close ties to criminal justice and innovation for good.

For me, these awards are a calendar highlight, shining a light on the teams and individuals who are leading the charge in the work taking place to find innovative solutions to the challenges being faced by policing.

I’m incredibly grateful to those who are courageous enough to put creative ideas into practice, embracing new technologies to solve real operational challenges and improve outcomes for the public.

I look forward to celebrating the exceptional work taking place across forces nationwide and rightfully recognising those who are pushing boundaries to deliver smarter, more effective digital solutions that keep our communities safe.”

Chief Constable Jeremy Vaughan, NPCC Lead for Science and Innovation, said:

“Policing continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of the public, and the Innovation and Digital Summit is a valuable opportunity to share learning and showcase the forward-thinking work taking place across forces.

The Innovation and Digital Awards are a key highlight, recognising the teams and individuals who are driving meaningful change and delivering smarter, more effective ways of protecting our communities.

I’m continually impressed by the creativity and commitment of our people, who are not only adapting to change but leading it. I look forward to celebrating their achievements and seeing how these innovations continue to shape the future of policing.”

Tony Eastaugh CBE, CEO at the Police Digital Service (PDS), said:

“PDS is proud to host and organise the NPCC Innovation and Digital Awards 2026. I’m looking forward to bringing colleagues from across UK policing together to recognise the remarkable achievements and dedication of officers and staff nationwide.”

Find out more, here.