The National Chaplain for Police Chaplaincy UK & the National Police Chiefs Council was commissioned during a service attended by over 200 people on Saturday 24th Feb. 
Dignitaries including The Deputy Lieutenant, Sir David Thompson and the High Sherriff, Chaplains from across UK policing and senior police officers gathered at ‘Trinity @ Birmingham’ Church to formally welcome The Reverend Matthew Hopley into his new role.
Police chaplaincy UK’s vision is ‘Bringing Chaplaincy to the heart of policing’. Our multifaith chaplains do this through building relationships with officers, staff and volunteers in various ways, Chaplains have the privilege to walk alongside people during the most difficult times of life and service and walk with them in times of celebration. The commissioning of the new National Chaplains marked a new chapter in the story of police chaplaincy.
The commissioning began with the Chair of Police Chaplaincy UK, Rev’d Dom Jones giving the Charge to Matt.
Chaplains are called to be servants and shepherds among the people to whom they are sent this Charge sets out the formal expectations of what you Matt, the National Police Chaplain is expected to do, and how you will conduct yourself
After which Chaplains from different faiths and all those gathered came forward in an act of Unity to light a candle forming a heart, representing the love and care chaplains show to those they serve.
The service featured hymns and songs played by the West Midlands Police Brass Band and the church worship team.
As the service progressed the Chief Constable of Matt’s sending Force spoke enthusiastically about the support Matt had given her and her officers whist he was Lead Chaplain in Warwickshire police and finally before Matt formally accepted the role the National Police Chiefs Council Lead for Chaplaincy, Deputy Chief Constable Maggie Blyth received Matt into the role.
The National Police Chiefs' Council, and Police Chaplaincy UK are pleased to confirm that after the thorough recruitment process, subsequent eligibility checks, that Reverend Matthew Hopley has accepted and commenced the post.
On behalf of the NPCC and College of Policing I am delighted to received Rev Hopley (Matt) as our new National Police Chaplain. I know that he will support our policing code of ethics and help us serve our communities with courage.
The service concluded with the police prayer and cake was served for all to enjoy afterwards.
