Discovering connectedness: An evaluation of the impact of continuous professional development with the Royal St Helena Police

Following scoping discussions with various police services of the UK Overseas Territories (UKOT) over the past two years, it has become apparent that the College of Policing professionalisation routes have not been extended to these islands, leaving significant gaps in officer’s skills and knowledge. One area particularly identified was vulnerability, particularly in domestic abuse and trauma informed practices. In May 2026, we delivered research funded Continuous Professional Development (CPD) focused on these areas, to the Royal St Helena Police (RSHP) and other frontline agencies. In the subsequent evaluation of its impact, we have unearthed a profound desire for connectedness; officers to have a deeper connection with their multi-agency partners but more importantly, with their mainland UK peers.