Metropolitan Police Careers

Overview

The Met Volunteer Programme (MVP) was established in 2001 with the primary aim of getting local communities more closely involved with their policing, and so improving the service we can offer. It operates throughout London via a network of locally-based MVP Managers situated either in a borough or specialist department, whose role it is to recruit and support volunteers.

Volunteers benefit the MPS in a multitude of ways. They bring a wide range of skills and experience. They add value to the work of trained staff, helping to enhance service delivery and improve customer service. Furthermore, they act as advocates for the police, increasing understanding and building relationships in the communities they live and work in.

So not only does the scheme give you the chance to make a valuable contribution to the safety and security of your community, it also allows officers and staff to spend more time doing what they are trained to do.

Currently volunteers support the MPS in areas such:

• Assisting at front counters
• General administration
• Press Office support
• Role-plays for police training
• Neighbourhood Watch support.

Tasks can include updating databases, collating evaluation questionnaires and general administration tasks. There's a wide range of areas in which your borough might need additional support.

The MVP vision is to be recognised within the MPS and publicly as one of the best examples of excellence in a volunteer involving organisation, and we are working closely with our volunteers to fulfill that objective. The MVP has been described by Volunteering England, as "the best volunteer programme of its kind in the public sector". We will continue to grow, develop and improve to ensure that communities and the MPS are working as closely as possible.

If you have a few hours to devote to helping your community each week, the MVP may be just the opportunity for you.

Met Volunteer/Why volunteer?

We attract volunteers from all kinds of backgrounds - from full-time workers to the unemployed, and from school leavers to the retired. As a volunteer you will benefit the MPS in many ways. You will add value to the work of trained staff, freeing them up to concentrate on what they were trained to do.

Everyone has their own motivation for investing their time with the MPS: they may have spare time on their hands; they may want to build up experience for their CV; or they may want to give something back to their local community.

These are some of the benefits you could experience by volunteering:

Meeting new people

The MVP encourages closer relationships between London's diverse communities and the MPS. By acting as an advocate for the MPS in your community, you'll get to know lots of different people and make new friends.

Enhance your skills

Volunteering with the MPS is an excellent addition to any CV. Whether you're a student, out of work, on a career break or looking for something to fill your time, the experience you gain with the MPS will help you to develop your work skills and confidence.

Insight into the MPS

Not many people know how the MPS really works. As a volunteer you will get a unique, close-up view of the organisation in action. This is a particularly useful preparation if you are considering joining the MPS in a paid capacity, perhaps as a member of police staff. You may also consider volunteering as a special constable or police cadet.

Personal satisfaction

The Met Volunteer Programme is about helping your community, which is just about one of the most rewarding experiences there is. You will be able to make a significant and worthwhile contribution, in making a very real difference to local policing in London.

Financial services

Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority, Metfriendly (Metropolitan Police Friendly Society Limited) offers our staff and volunteers a number of financial services, including:

• Savings products
• Insurance and protection products
• Investment products

These can be accessed via their website www.mpfs.org.uk or on the MPS Intranet under 'Friendly Society'