Derby City Pubwatch wins top accolade at prestigious House of Lords event

Derby City Pubwatch has been awarded the top accolade of the National Pubwatch of the Year at a prestigious ceremony, sponsored by pub chain JD Wetherspoon, at the House of Lords.

The National Pubwatch Award, which is judged by members of the National Pubwatch Committee, recognises the work of local Pubwatch schemes and their efforts to provide safe drinking environments for customers and staff.

National Pubwatch is a voluntary organisation, which supports over 800 Pubwatch schemes across the UK, and works to promote safe, secure and social drinking environments in all licensed premises throughout the UK.

Three Pubwatches – Chorley, Heathrow and North Lincs – were awarded highly commended.

Derby City Pubwatch, which is run by chair Jason Dickens and vice chair Mark Dunn, was rewarded for its work in building trusted partnerships which have facilitated intelligence sharing, co-ordinated communication, collaborative problem solving and support for vulnerable people.

Derby City Pubwatch, vice chair, Mark Dunn, said: "Winning the National Pubwatch Award means an enormous amount to everyone involved with Derby City Pubwatch. Our scheme has been operating for more than 30 years, and receiving this national recognition is an incredibly proud moment for us all.

“For Jason and me personally, it is particularly special, but this award belongs to far more than the two of us. It recognises the dedication of our members, past and present, the commitment of our licensed premises and their staff, and the many organisations that have supported us throughout the years.”

He also said that none of this would have been possible without the continued support of Derbyshire Police, Derby City Council, Derby's Business Improvement Districts and its many other partners.

“This award is a wonderful recognition of more than three decades of commitment to making Derby a safer place for everyone to enjoy. We are extremely grateful, and we share this achievement with everyone who has contributed to Derby City Pubwatch's success," he said.

National Pubwatch chairman Steve Baker OBE said: “It has been an honour to celebrate the winner of the National Pubwatch Award in the House of Lords.

“The National Pubwatch of the Year Award is so important in recognising the hard work of local Pubwatches, their members and individuals. Derby City Pubwatch is a deserving recipient with a team that works collaboratively and supports a safer night-time economy.”

He added: “We would also like to thank JD Wetherspoon for all its support for National Pubwatch and the awards.”

Wetherspoon has been a supporter of National Pubwatch since its inauguration in 1997. Its pubs are involved in over 500 Pubwatch schemes across the country.

Wetherspoon’s legal director, Nigel Connor, said: “This year has again seen some fantastic entries which reflect the strength and importance of Pubwatches throughout the United Kingdom in helping create safe towns and cities.

“Derby City Pubwatch is a worthy winner and congratulations to everyone involved in the scheme. This is our seventh year of sponsorship of the awards and Wetherspoon is pleased to be able to help recognise the work done by all Pubwatch members as well as the authorities who co-operate with them through our continued support.”

Images:

• The winner and finalists celebrate at the House of Lords (Left to right: Heathrow Airport Pubwatch representative Ian Upton; National Pubwatch chair Steve Baker OBE; Paula Buck, Chair of North Lincs Pubwatch and shift manager at JD Wetherspoon Stanhope; Tracey Coyne, Community Safety Partnership manager for North Lincs Council; Derby City Pubwatch, vice chair, Mark Dunn; Kathy Cairns – safer night-time co-ordinator at Community Safety Partnership; Derby City Pubwatch chair Jason Dickens; Matthew Rees hair of Chorley Pubwatch; Nathan Howson, principle licensing officer, Chorley Council; Heathrow Airport Pubwatch representatives Emma Rynhart and Andrew Barker.

Editor’s Notes:

National Pubwatch was set up in 1997 as a voluntary organisation by three founders Raoul De Vaux, a licensee and magistrate, Malcolm Eidmans, a former police chief superintendent and licensee Bill Stone.

Its key aim to help achieve a safe, secure and social drinking environment in all licensed premises throughout the UK. National Pubwatch now supports over 800 Pubwatches across the UK.

In 2025 research, conducted by Leeds Beckett University showed that 86% of licensees, staff, police and those working within organisations such as local authorities, believe that Pubwatches help to create safer drinking environments.

Over half (53%) of those surveyed stated they had actually witnessed a decrease in alcohol-related disorder and anti-social behaviour since the introduction of a Pubwatch scheme. Importantly, over two-thirds (68%) agreed that Pubwatch activities increased staff, customer and community safety.

For further information please contact Steve Baker via steve.baker@nationalpubwatch.org.uk.

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