News

Efficiency of local police needs improvement, says Inspectorate

Published

8 years ago

November 10, 2017

THE EXTENT to which the Dyfed-Powys Police is efficient at keeping people safe and reducing crime requires improvement. That is the assessment of Wendy Williams of her Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary in her latest report

It’s the fourth such assessment – called a PEEL report (police effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy) of the force by the Inspectorate so far.

PEEL is designed to give the public information about how their local police force is performing in several important areas.

The review body said that Dyfed-Powys Police needs to improve the overall efficiency with which it keeps people safe and reduces crime, although there are some aspects of the force’s work that are managed well, such as its understanding of demand.

The report added: “The force has well-established processes and systems that allow it to monitor and understand current demand, including demand that might go unreported. It uses this understanding to move resources to where they are needed most.

“The force’s leaders are also good at promoting innovative thinking to reduce demand, and use continuous improvement techniques to good effect, identifying wasteful and inefficient practices.”

BD0TGH Three Traffic officers inspect a RTA while stood in front of a fire engine

IMPROVE USE OF RESOURCES

Dyfed-Powys Police needs to improve the way it uses its resources, the Inspectorate said.

“The force has not undertaken a skills audit to understand the capacity and capability of all of its people. Such an audit would help the force inform its recruitment, selection and promotion processes in order to identify the best people for the job and to develop people in their roles.

“The force also needs to improve the way it plans for the future. For example, the force needs to make better use of national recruitment and development schemes, external recruitment, and other recruitment opportunities to ensure it is able to recruit, promote and develop people with the skills it needs.”

VISION FOR THE FUTURE

“The force also needs to develop an integrated vision of the future that takes into account public expectation, changing technology, interoperability with other emergency services and the reduced resources available to its partners. On a more positive note, the force has made good progress in developing a more strategic approach to partnership working. It has also invested well in ICT, which has resulted in significant savings and a reduction in demand across a number of areas.”

REACTION FROM THE DEPUTY CHIEF

Responding to the assessment, Deputy Chief Constable Darren Davies told The Herald: “I welcome the latest efficiency report from HMICFRS and whilst we are one of 10 forces graded as ‘Requires Improvement’ overall, and therefore still have much work to do, there are clear indications within the report that the force is making positive progress.

“At the time of this inspection, a new Chief Officer team had been in place for only a few months, and together with all staff, we have worked tirelessly to improve performance.

“In previous years Dyfed-Powys has been assessed as Requires Improvement in all three areas making up the efficiency report – this year for the first time, we have been assessed as ‘Good’ at understanding demand, but still ‘requiring improvement’ in both use of resources and planning for the future sections. Clearly to use resources and plan for the future, understanding the demand we face is an essential requirement and, we have progressed to ‘Good’ in that regard. This is a small but important step in continuing to improve as a force.

“In the report HMICFRS has identified 5 areas for improvement and we have already begun addressing these and will continue to work hard to rectify these whilst maintaining the positive direction of travel.

“We look forward to receiving the further reports from HMICFRS in the coming weeks on both Legitimacy and Effectiveness, when we are confident there will be further tangible evidence of the progress we are making in an effort to deliver the high quality policing that our communities deserve.

“I am personally leading this work, and have seen first-hand the energy, commitment and drive the whole force is demonstrating in seeking to continually improve what we do at every level.”

CRIME COMMISSIONER’S COMMENTS

Local Police & Crime Commissioner, Dafydd Llywelyn said: “It is evident upon reading the report that improvements are being made to the way in which Dyfed-Powys Police are utilising their resources. This is testimony to the hard work and commitment of Officers and Staff and the leadership of Chief Constable Collins and his team.

“Whilst there is still a lot of work to do, I am confident that future reports will demonstrate continued improvement which ultimately will result in the delivery of an enhanced service to the public within the Dyfed-Powys area.”

Crime

New pilot offers dedicated advocates for trafficking survivors

Published

25 minutes ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

National scheme aims to support hundreds of victims of modern slavery across the UK

MORE than 600 adult survivors of modern slavery are set to receive dedicated support through a new national pilot scheme providing accredited, independent advocates.

The initiative will see specially trained professionals working directly alongside survivors of human trafficking and exploitation, helping them navigate complex legal, social, and recovery processes.

While survivors of crimes such as domestic and sexual abuse already have access to specialist advocacy, no equivalent provision previously existed for victims of modern slavery—despite the often severe and long-term trauma they experience.

Over the next three years, 24 Independent Modern Slavery Advocates (IMSAs) will be deployed across the UK. Each advocate will complete a postgraduate qualification and receive support from a central hub hosted by anti-trafficking charity Hope for Justice.

Tim Nelson, CEO at Hope for Justice, said the pilot aims to tackle inequalities in support: “We want to end the postcode lottery that adult survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking are experiencing in the UK.

“There are many organisations already doing incredible work, but by working together and setting new standards, we can give survivors the best possible chance of rebuilding their lives.”

The scheme is backed by a £1 million National Lottery grant and involves several organisations, including Unseen UK, Medaille Trust, Bawso, SOHTIS, Hope for Justice, and the Snowdrop Project.

Since the pilot began six months ago, advocates have already supported 121 survivors, helping to secure housing, legal recognition, and access to vital services.

Key outcomes so far include:

Ten survivors provided with safe and secure housing
Seventeen Home Office decisions successfully challenged, granting victims access to support
Humanitarian protection secured for a young adult survivor

Advocates have also helped individuals access healthcare, mental health support, education, employment, and secure immigration status.

One survivor described the support as “life changing” after escaping a trafficker. In a letter to her advocate, she said: “You have fought our corner tirelessly when I did not have the strength. You stood beside us every step of the way.

“You helped me rebuild trust, believe in myself, and slowly find my voice again.”

The IMSA role aligns with international guidance on independent advocacy and has been shaped by experts and those with lived experience.

Louise Mensah, Head of Frontline at Unseen, said: “This pilot is a step towards a world without slavery. We are proud to be part of something that will improve outcomes and change futures.”

Ben Ryan, Deputy CEO at Medaille Trust, added: “We know the value of long-term support in recovery. This partnership allows us to embed best practice and develop new approaches.”

Organisations wishing to join the final phase of the pilot have until May 2026 to apply.

Further information is available at www.hopeforjustice.org/imsa/

Community

Charlie the ventriloquist doll returns to Pembroke Dock after 100 years

Published

32 minutes ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Beloved character to greet visitors as Heritage Centre reopens for new season

CHARLIE the 100-year-old ventriloquist’s doll is coming out of retirement — and back to where it all began.

Visitors to Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre will be greeted by the much-loved character when the attraction reopens for the new season on Monday (March 30).

It marks a nostalgic return for Charlie, who once performed in the very same building — then the Royal Dockyard Chapel — alongside his original owner, Ernie James, a Pembroke Dock bus company proprietor. Over the years, the duo became a familiar and popular act on the Pembrokeshire variety circuit.

Today, Charlie is cared for by Paul Elliott, of Llanreath, who inherited the doll from his father, Fred Elliott — better known locally as magician ‘Mr E’, whose shows delighted audiences for decades.

Charlie has also recently enjoyed a brush with national attention, appearing alongside Paul at a BBC Antiques Roadshow event in Swansea.

The Heritage Centre will offer free entry on opening day, with Charlie and Paul on hand to meet visitors and share stories from a century of entertainment.

Business

Wolfscastle spa earns prestigious AA recognition

Published

46 minutes ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

WOLFSCASTLE COUNTRY HOTEL and Spa in Pembrokeshire is celebrating national recognition after its luxury spa was included in the prestigious AA Recommended Spa Awards.

The accolade highlights the hotel’s commitment to delivering high-quality wellbeing experiences, exceptional service, and first-class facilities.

The AA Recommended Spa status is awarded to venues that provide an outstanding guest experience, combining professional expertise, premium treatments, and a relaxing environment. The recognition places Wolfscastle among a select group of leading spa destinations across the UK.

Grace, Levi and Bethan, full-time spa therapists at the award-winning Wolfscastle Spa.
Hot stone massage in the Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa treatment room.

The spa, which has been open for nine years, has established itself as one of Pembrokeshire’s top wellness destinations, welcoming both hotel guests and day visitors seeking relaxation in a tranquil countryside setting.

Facilities include hydrotherapy experiences, thermal suites, and dedicated relaxation areas, alongside a wide range of luxury treatments designed to help guests unwind and recharge.

Bethan, Spa Manager at Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be recognised by the AA as a Recommended Spa. The team here work really hard to make sure every guest feels relaxed, welcomed and properly looked after from the moment they arrive.

“To receive this recognition is very special for us and reflects the care and effort our therapists put into every treatment.”

The award further strengthens the hotel’s reputation as one of West Wales’ leading hospitality destinations, offering award-winning dining, boutique accommodation, and premium wellness experiences.

Guests can enjoy spa days, overnight breaks, and tailored treatments throughout the year.

For more information or to book, visit www.wolfscastle.com.

The hotel is also marking a significant milestone this year, with owner Andrew Stirling celebrating 50 years at the helm.