We are proud to launch the 2026 National Evidence-Based Policing (EBP) Awards, a celebration of the individuals, teams, and partnerships transforming policing through the use of high-quality evidence, taking place in Milton Keynes on 23rd September 2026, as a part of our National EBP Conference.

These awards shine a spotlight on innovation, collaboration, and impact - recognising those who are not only using evidence, but actively producing and communicating it to improve policing outcomes.

Evidence-based policing continues to play a vital role in shaping effective, ethical, and accountable policing practices. By grounding decisions in robust research and data, forces across the country are improving outcomes for communities, reducing harm, and driving meaningful change.

The National EBP Awards exist to:

• Celebrate excellence and innovation in evidence-based approaches

• Encourage collaboration between policing and research partners

• Highlight impactful projects that can be scaled or replicated

• Inspire the next generation of practitioners and leaders

Award Categories for 2026

This year’s awards recognise a diverse range of contributions across policing:

• Police-Research Partnership Award – Recognising exemplary collaborations between police practitioners and academic researchers that have generated meaningful evidence and delivered practical improvements to policing.

• Policing Innovation Award – Honouring creative, evidence-informed initiatives that have achieved significant improvements in service delivery, community relations, operational effectiveness, or public trust.

• Emerging Talent Award – Celebrating early-career practitioners, researchers, or students who demonstrate exceptional promise and dedication to advancing the principles and practice of evidence-based policing.

• Excellence in evidence-based prevention of violence involving children - Sponsored by the Youth Endowment Fund, this award recognises the outstanding use of projects that make a difference for children and demonstrate the impact.

How to Submit a Nomination

Submitting a nomination is straightforward. Share your colleague's project, partnership, or contribution through ouronline form and tell us how evidence has shaped the work and outcomes. Please refer to our award criteria and terms and conditions.

Join us at The 2026 National Evidence-Based Policing Conference and Awards

The National Evidence-Based Policing Conference 2026 will bring together police leaders, practitioners, researchers and partners from across the UK to explore the role of evidence in the next phase of police reform.

Taking place in Milton Keynes on 23–24 September 2026, the conference will focus on the emerging “What Works” agenda in policing - examining both the evidence on how the police reform agenda can be implemented effectively and the capabilities policing will need in a modern, evidence-informed model. Secure your place here.