National VPC strategy 2025-2029
Introduction to the National VPC strategy
The Volunteer Police Cadets (VPC) is the uniformed youth group of UK policing, delivered and supported by dedicated volunteers and members of the wider policing family.
This strategy reinforces a critical truth: structured youth engagement is safer, more impactful, and more sustainable than informal or ad hoc approaches. The VPC provides a consistent, values-led framework that supports young people, protects them, and helps them grow into active citizens and future leaders.
The VPC already contributes to key national policing priorities — tackling violence, preventing vulnerability, developing the future workforce, and strengthening policing’s legitimacy. Through inclusive participation, it helps to recruit from underrepresented communities, build bridges between the police and the public, and shape the future of policing.
The programme is open to all young people, regardless of background. We are committed to opening doors for those from underrepresented communities while also supporting pathways for those who aspire to a future career in policing or public service.
This strategy sets out why we have Volunteer Police Cadets, and how we will deliver against our five national objectives:
- Creating a safe and inclusive space
- Promoting understanding of policing and amplifying youth voice
- Inspiring participation and social action
- Diverting from harm and building trust
- Inspiring and enabling progression in to policing