Combined Authority TravelSafe Partnership Manager Nikki Swanson has received a special police award for her pivotal role in making women and girls feel protected on Liverpool City Region transport. 

Nikki was handed the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Award at the annual Merseyside Police Community First Awards, which recognise Merseyside Police staff, volunteers and community partners for their hard work, bravery and professionalism.   

Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell (Left) with TravelSafe Partnership Manager Nikki Swanson (right)

Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell highlighted Nikki’s outstanding work and ability to go ‘above and beyond’ to make women and girls across the region safer.   

Nikki described her work on the ‘Safer Streets Merseyside campaign’ as ‘profoundly’ important to her. She said:

“Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected and supported, whether at work or when travelling. Standing on that stage reminded me why this work matters so much, not just to me, but to the communities we serve.”   

The Safer Streets campaign is designed to make public spaces safer, with a focus on women and girls.   

It involves added police presence, improved CCTV coverage in areas where women feel unsafe, and ways to report concerns while using public transport. The campaign aims to tackle sexual violence by educating people on inappropriate behaviour, encouraging people to report offences and be an active bystander. 

Emily said Nikki had played:

“A pivotal role in helping to transform safety and inclusion across our region’s transport network, ensuring that women and girls feel protected every step of the way.”   

“Nikki Swanson has kept victims and survivors at the heart of everything she does,” Emily added.   

As well as being a proud advocate for the Commissioner’s Domestic Abuse Workplace Champion Scheme, Nikki was praised for “not only training as a Champion herself but also helping to lead the Combined Authority’s commitment to tackling domestic abuse, encouraging others to get involved and introducing a Domestic Abuse Policy and Guidance procedure for staff.”  

Nikki said:

“Receiving the PCC’s award was an incredible honour and special moment for me. It was truly humbling to be recognised for my passion and commitment to tackling Violence Against Women and Girls and championing the Domestic Abuse Workplace Scheme.”   

As TravelSafe Partnership Manager, Nikki works to maintain a secure and safe transport network for staff and customers across Liverpool. She has also worked towards “creating a safer working environment and a safer region” and with this award, her hard work has been recognised.  

She said:

“None of this would have been possible without the dedication and collaboration of amazing colleagues and partners who share the same commitment to creating safer, more inclusive and accessible places for everyone and reflects our collective effort.” 

The Police and Crime Commissioner’s citation in full:

“My next award celebrates someone who has been a steadfast supporter of our violence against women and girls work, while playing a pivotal role in helping to transform safety and inclusion across our region’s transport network, ensuring that women and girls feel protected every step of the way.

“As TravelSafe Partnership Manager, Nikki Swanson has kept victims and survivors at the heart of everything she does.

“She was a key partner in our Safer Street campaign, shining a light on behaviours that are too often overlooked forms of sexual violence on our transport network and helping to introduce a raft of measures designed to tackle those issues.

“She also played a key role in the creation of Safe Spaces in our transport hubs, ensuring vulnerable people can always find support when they need it most.

“Nikki is currently driving the development of a TravelSafe VAWG Strategy, making sure that journeys across our region are safe from start to finish.

“She is also a proud advocate for my Domestic Abuse Workplace Champion Scheme – not only training as a Champion herself but also helping to lead the CA’s commitment to tackling domestic abuse, encouraging others to get involved and introducing a policy and guidance procedure for staff.

“By doing she is creating a safer working environment and a safer region. It’s my privilege to present this award to Nikki for her outstanding contribution to tackling Violence Against Women and Girls.”