Eleri Thomas Member

Eleri Thomas is the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent.

She leads on children and young people issues, working with young people who are in the criminal justice system, victims of crime, and those that are vulnerable and require safeguarding and support.

Eleri is responsible for developing and delivering early intervention and prevention programmes for police and youth services. She was also a lead in developing the vison and values of the Police and Crime Plan for Gwent.

Since becoming Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent, Eleri has played a crucial role in developing a strategic grant fund that targets resources to support young people in the most deprived communities in Gwent.

In 2017 she helped to successfully launch the pioneering ‘Heddlu Bach’ Mini Police scheme in Gwent. This programme, aimed at children between 9 to 11, aims to break down barriers between young people and the police by engaging them at an early age. It teaches them positive values, skills and respect, and has already been rolled out to more 20 schools.

Eleri has more than 20 years’ experience working in strategic leadership and management roles in Wales, complemented extensively by service and practice development for children and young people.

She is responsible for building strategic relationships with senior officers and managers at Gwent Police and works with external bodies including the UK and Welsh governments, criminal justice partners, health boards, local authorities and the voluntary sector on joint projects and initiatives.

As a former Chief Executive Officer and Deputy Children's Commissioner for Wales (2009 to 2016), Eleri drove strategic policy and legislative influence to improve children’s rights, leading to national action plans on advocacy and child sexual exploitation.

Eleri was awarded an MBE in 2009 for her services to children and young people while head of the children's charity, Save the Children, in Wales (2001 to 2009). She is chair of trustees of the Vale of Glamorgan Youth Forum and Trustee of Kids in Museums.