Building Trust and Community Safety through Collaborative  Practices

Building Trust and Community Safety through Collaborative Practices - The role of UKs National Police Race Action Plan

This lecture/workshop examines the evolving landscape of community safety through the lens of the UK’s emerging community policing model. Central to the discussion is the Police Race Action Plan, a national framework designed to improve trust and confidence in policing, particularly within Black communities.

The session will explore the historical and social contexts that led to the plan’s development, its key principles, and the practical steps being taken to embed anti-racist approaches into frontline policing. Emphasis will be placed on how community engagement, partnership working, and cultural change within police services are shaping a more inclusive and accountable model of community safety. Attendees will gain a critical understanding of the challenges and opportunities that accompany this shift, alongside insights into how collaborative practices can strengthen relationships between the police and the communities they serve.

National consultant on policing and race equity

James Watkins is a community leader, youth practitioner, and national consultant on policing and race equity. He is the founder of Mainz World, an organisation that delivers prevention, intervention, and mentoring programmes for communities across the UK and internationally, with a heavy focus on community safety for underserved communities. James works closely with police services in England, Wales, and Scotland, leading on anti-racist training, community engagement, and action planning as part of the national Police Race Action Plan.

Building trust

His work is rooted in building trust between marginalised communities and institutions, with a focus on empowering young people, strengthening community safety, and promoting systemic change. Alongside his national projects, James also runs international youth initiatives in Jamaica, and France, tackling issues such as serious youth violence, integration, and mental health. He brings both lived experience and professional expertise to his practice, making him a passionate advocate for inclusive policing and social justice.

The lecture/workshop is held in English and is open to students, staff and others interested in the topic.

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