Force chaplain recognised for seven years of voluntary service

25 September 2026

North Yorkshire Police’s lead chaplain Reverend Philip Rogerson has been recognised for seven years of volunteering with the Force.

Philip joined officers, staff, volunteers and Chief Constable Tim Forber at the Long Service and Good Conduct Ceremony.

There he was presented with his certificate by Lord Lieutenant Jo Ropner and the Deputy Chief Constable Catherine Clarke.

Philip said: “It was a lovely ceremony and I’m really grateful for the recognition.”

 

North Yorkshire Police’s lead chaplain Reverend Philip Rogerson receiving his
Seven-Year Long Service Certificate from Lord Lieutenant Jo Ropner and
Deputy Chief Constable Catherine Clarke on 7 September at Police HQ

 

A former serving police officer, Philip started his career with West Midlands Police where he reached the rank of inspector.

After 15 years he moved to South Yorkshire, where he was eventually Assistant Chief Constable.

After retiring, Philip decided to become ordained.

He said: “I’d always believed in God. About a month after I retired, independently, two people said to me had I thought about being ordained.

Ordained

“When that sort of thing happens you think there might be something there, and so I started on a course to get ordained.

“It basically meant another career in uniform and I’d always dealt with sinners,” he joked.

Philip said that his former career as a uniformed officer, supervisor and chief officer plays an important part in supporting the Force in his chaplaincy role.

He said: “I think it is valuable to have been in the job because you have been there and lived it.

“You have an understanding of the stresses and strains of policing, and that includes the chief officers.

“We’ve got to look after our officers because they are what makes policing and the Force, and that goes all the way up the ranks.

Impartial

“I used to go out on patrol with officers because you need to remind yourself that sometimes it can be a bit frightening and there are some tough decisions to make.”

As lead chaplain, Philip’s role involves providing confidential, impartial, and non-judgemental support.

He is there to help personnel with their wellbeing, at times of crisis, or when they are affected by serious incidents or tragedies. And he leads on many of the formal memorial and remembrance gatherings.

Philip, who is also the Deacon of St Mary’s Church in Knaresborough, said: “I’m there as a listening ear or a voice for officers.

“We don't know push the religious side but I always say that if you ask me, God is available for you.

“I try and see people in their workplace and I do things like helping the training department with recruits and specialist training scenarios”.

Chaplaincy

Alongside his chaplaincy duties, Philip also volunteers to help the Force with practical tasks, such as moving vehicles between locations when staffing pressures make it difficult for officers to do so.

He says he continues to get considerable satisfaction from supporting North Yorkshire Police and its people.

“They are under tremendous pressure and do such a good job, which doesn’t always get recognised,” he said.

And he also praised the work of the Federation branch in support officers.

“The Fed office is based here in Knaresborough and I see the good work that they do every day for people which isn’t always noticed.”

READ MORE: Fed defends officers after 'zero arrests' claims.