Gloucestershire Police Federation name Neighbourhood Officer of the Year

3 September 2026

An officer who enjoys helping people and puts her all into supporting her local community has been named Neighbourhood Officer of the Year at the inaugural Gloucestershire Police Federation Recognition Awards.

PC Jill Bundock– who works in Cheltenham and has been a police officer for 22 years - is highly regarded and respected within the force and by outside agencies.

When she is out with partner agencies or her local team addressing concerns in the community, she often manages to sort out issues that would otherwise have led to tensions.

Her approach to neighbourhood policing is caring as well as professional: she has fed dogs that were abandoned in a flat; taken residents to doctors’ appointments; and arranged food parcels for vulnerable residents.

She said: “I enjoy the safeguarding side, and I enjoy helping people. That way, the community gets to see the police in perhaps more of a positive light. I want people to have faith that if they need anything, they've got somebody they can go to.”

In an example of how she helps the community, PC Bundock said: “A woman who used to be a drug user rang me the other day and told me she’d just been awarded custody of her daughter. She said thank you for believing in her. It's just really nice to have somebody that's come out the other side.”

PC Bundock is also in charge of the ‘Hamper Scamper’ appeal, which provides Christmas presents for children in Gloucestershire who may not have otherwise received gifts. She uses the funds, and often her own money, to buy the presents – looking for bargains all year long – then wraps and delivers them. Over 150 struggling families benefitted from the scheme last year, and it brings much joy to children over the festive period.

She said: “It's chaos at Christmas time, but I love doing it. And it's a really good example for my children to see, and they even help me wrap.”

When she heard she was receiving an award, she said she was “overwhelmed”, adding: “I'm very lucky that I love my job.”

A colleague said: “Jill is an incredible police officer who, year on year, shows her dedication and commitment to her role, securing justice for the most prolific offenders that affect the community while constantly building trust with local people.

Gloucestershire Police Federation Chair Adam Williams said: “What a police officer. What a person.

“Jill is a fine example of what a neighbourhood officer should be, making her community a better and safer place for residents to live and raise their families.
“She is an incredibly well deserving winner of this award.”

PC Bundock will attend the 2026 Gloucestershire Police Federation Recognition Awards on Thursday 10 September 2026.

The Gloucestershire Police Federation Recognition Awards are in association with Bluline Health.  

Also sponsoring the Awards are Gloucestershire Police Group Insurance Scheme, Niche, Uniform Mortgages, Police Friendly, Warren & Co, Philip Williams, Police Mortgages, Axon, Accord, No1 Copperpot Credit Union, Quick Mortgages, Temple Legal and Serve and Protect Credit Union.