Nottinghamshire inspector wins national award

7 November 2022

A Nottinghamshire Police Federation member has received a national award after she created a pioneering global campaign that helps women and men feel safe from sexual assault while on a night out.

Inspector Hayley Crawford launched ‘Ask for Angela’ in 2015. The scheme allows people to ask staff for ‘Angela’, as a way of signalling that they feel unsafe or uncomfortable while at a pub or bar.

What started out in Lincolnshire soon grew nationally and internationally, with the campaign now used across thousands of venues worldwide.

“We launched ‘Ask for Angela’ when internet dating was in its infancy, which meant people weren’t really talking about using internet apps or letting their loved ones know they were going on dates. This led to an increase in vulnerability as the person was effectively meeting a stranger who may not even be who they claimed to be on the website,” explained 37-year-old Hayley.

“‘Ask for Angela’ gives people that safety net. If the bar or club is busy, it can be really hard to communicate with staff, especially if a person is feeling distressed. 

“It gives people who feel unsafe or vulnerable the chance to make a point discreetly, without making a scene - and they can do it quickly. They don’t have to explain themselves, they literally just have to say the safe word, that is ‘Angela’.”

As well as staff members being made aware of the campaign, venues put up clear posters around their premises, making visitors clearly aware that they can ‘Ask for Angela’.

“I wish something like this was around when I was younger and going out more,” added Hayley.

“It just makes people feel safe. Simply seeing those posters makes them feel safe immediately when entering the building.”

Following her work, Hayley has now been presented with a National Pubwatch Malcolm Eidmans Award, an achievement named after the late chief superintendent who established Pubwatch. 

The award, which was presented to Hayley by Lord Kennedy of Southwark at the House of Lords, recognises the outstanding contribution made by a police officer or member of police staff in supporting Pubwatch, a national scheme which aims to create a safer drinking environment in licensed premises.

“As only police officers and staff can be given this award, I’m actually eligible to receive it now I’m a member of the Force,” said Hayley, who joined Nottinghamshire Police three years ago, having previously worked as the sexual violence prevention strategic lead in Lincolnshire, a role part funded by the Force and local authorities.

When the opportunity arose for her to join the Force as an inspector through the direct entry route, Hayley jumped at the chance.

“I’ve always been quite a creative person, so when I’m presented with a problem, I usually come up with a creative solution, which is where ‘Ask for Angela’ stems from,” recalls Hayley.

She explained how when first creating the campaign, she worked closely with bars and pubs in Lincolnshire, hearing their need for something that would be cheap and easy to establish.

“They didn’t have the budget and staff turn-over was huge, especially in university cities,” continued Hayley.

“I soon realised that all we needed to do was give people some sort of safe word, that they could use quickly and easily.”

Hayley explained that the word Angela honours Angela Crompton, a woman who was brutally murdered by her husband. Angela was known by one of Hayley’s good friends, and news of her murder sent ‘shockwaves through the friendship group’.

“We needed a phrase that wouldn’t seem unordinary if used out and about, but also a name that isn’t very common - so ‘Ask for Angela’ is perfect. Of course, I like to think that this is a great way to pay tribute to Angela - with her name now being used to help thousands, if not millions, of people across the globe,” continued Hayley.

“I can’t actually believe how many bars, clubs, pubs and venues now use the campaign. It’s gone everywhere.” 

From Scotland to Spain, America, Brazil and Australia, the campaign is now being used by thousands of hospitality businesses across the world.

“It’s amazing to have received the award, and then be presented with it at the House of Lords - that is a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Hayley said, adding: “It all feels a bit surreal to be honest, like it’s happening to someone else.

“This was a passion project for me. It was a very small part of a wider project I was working on back in 2015 and then when it grew legs, I started doing it for the love of it. 

“I didn’t know just how many people this campaign would help. I’m incredibly proud of the work I’ve done, and to see how far it’s come is just incredible.”

Hayley after being presented with her award.