National Evidence-Based Policing Conference 2026
In-person
23rd Sep 2026 to 24th Sep 2026
23 Sept 2026, 08:30 – 24 Sept 2026, 14:00
Walton Hall building, Walton Dr, Kents Hill, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA, UK
Join hundreds of police professionals at the UK’s premier evidence-based policing event. Two days of practical sessions on critical topics, plus the second National EBP Awards Dinner.
The National Evidence-Based Policing Conference 2026, hosted by the Society of Evidence Based Policing in partnership with the Open University and sponsored by CGI, will bring together police leaders, practitioners, researchers and partners from across the UK to explore the role of evidence in the next phase of police reform.
Taking place in Milton Keynes on 23–24 September 2026, the conference will focus on the emerging “What Works” agenda in policing – examining both the evidence on how the police reform agenda can be implemented effectively and the capabilities policing will need in a modern, evidence-informed model.
Through keynote sessions, practitioner presentations and panel discussions, the conference will showcase the best examples of applied research and innovation from across policing and its partners.
The event is designed to appeal to officers and staff at every rank, as well as policymakers, analysts, academics and professionals working alongside policing. Attendees will hear perspectives from frontline practitioners, senior leaders, universities and partner organisations working to strengthen the evidence base for policing in the UK.
The conference will also feature the launch of new policing guidance from the Youth Endowment Fund, alongside the announcement of the winners of the Police Graduate Research Showcase, celebrating outstanding practitioner research from across policing education programmes.
On the evening of 23 September, delegates and invited guests will gather at the Leonardo Hotel Milton Keynes for the National Evidence-Based Policing Awards, recognising individuals and teams who are advancing the use of research and analysis to improve policing practice.
Matt Bland, Chief Operating Officer of the Society of Evidence Based Policing, said:
“Policing is entering a period where reform will only succeed if it is grounded in evidence about what actually works. This conference brings together practitioners, researchers and leaders who are committed to building a policing model that learns, tests and improves. If there was a policing ‘ton’, this is the ball they would all be hoping to get to.”
Dr Jennifer Norman, Director of Policing at the Open University, said:
“Evidence-based policing depends on collaboration between practitioners, educators and researchers. This conference creates the space for those communities to come together, share knowledge and strengthen the role of evidence in shaping the future of policing.”
Further details on speakers and the programme will be announced in the coming weeks.