Gareth Edwards is the Director of the national policing Vulnerability Knowledge Practice Programme (VKPP). The VKPP is a Home Office funded programme based within the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) with the core aim of improving and coordinating the policing response to vulnerability. The VKPP brings together multi-disciplinary skill sets to deliver projects broadly grouped around primary and secondary research, analysis, peer review/support and partnerships with a view to building and utilising evidence to affect positive change.

Gareth was previously head of policy and strategy to former Chief Constable Simon Bailey during his tenures as the head of the NPCC Violence and Public Protection (VPP) portfolio and Child Protection Abuse Investigation (CPAI) lead. During this period, Gareth directed the activities of a Home Office funded network of regional analysts and prevention officers to help tackle Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (CSAE) as well as developed national policy. Prior to this, he worked at the office of the children’s commissioner for England, leading on data analysis across their child rights agenda including their national Inquiries into CSAE. Gareth has also worked in a range of operational and strategic analytical roles within the Metropolitan Police and Cambridgeshire Constabulary and has completed a Master of Studies (MSt) in Applied Criminology and Police Management at the University of Cambridge.