Nottinghamshire rape convictions rise as force looks to improve after adopting national operating model

The core principles of Op Soteria, an initiative launched by the Home Office in June 2021, are of being victim-centred, suspect-focused, and context-led.

The long-term ambition is that this contributes to the wider social change required to end sexual violence.

Detective Inspector Marc Lancaster, Nottinghamshire Police’s Op Soteria project manager, said: “Survivors are at the heart of everything we do at Nottinghamshire Police and the ongoing work we’re doing as part of Operation Soteria will help us to drive further improvement throughout 2026.

“We know there’s still a lot of work to do and we’re always looking to improve our processes and service to survivors.

“Since the start of implementing Op Soteria principles in 2023 the conviction rate for rape offences in Nottinghamshire has gone up (survivors aged 16+) and the average number of days taken for investigations to reach an outcome (survivors aged 16+) has more than halved (50.8 per cent reduction).

“Under Operation Soteria the national operating model (NOM) for investigating rape and serious sexual offences (RASSO) was rolled out to forces from July 2023. This included Nottinghamshire Police.

“The ambition is to enable truly transformative change resulting in higher charge rates and better experience for survivors of all backgrounds.”

DI Lancaster added: “Offences of rape and serious sexual assault are some of the most sensitive and complex cases that we investigate and we acknowledge the devastating impact that these crimes have on survivors.

“We are committed to doing everything possible to achieve justice for survivors and our continued progress includes improving the way in which serious sexual offence and rape cases are investigated, how we manage suspects, and better partnership working.

“As a force we are expecting to see further development and improvement in the way we investigate rape and serious sexual offences and treat survivors and suspects.

“New areas of work include working with sexual violence liaison officers from both of the universities in Nottingham, to break down barriers to reporting within the student populations, and understanding developments within the crown courts in relation to myths and stereotypes.

“As a force, we also play an active part in the Consent Coalition. This is a group of organisations within Nottingham who are working together to raise awareness of the importance of consent, banish myths about rape and sexual violence, and encourage survivors to access support and report any sexual violence.”

In addition, adult women and men who report sexual assaults continue to be supported by the purpose-built Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) in Nottingham.

The service, which is at an undisclosed location in Nottingham to protect service users, can be accessed by victims with or without direct police involvement.

The bespoke centre offers free support and practical help to anyone over 18 in Nottinghamshire who has experienced sexual abuse and sexual violence.

A separate facility exists at Nottingham’s Queen’s Medical Centre for children.

DI Lancaster continued: “We understand that survivors of these offences are often coming to us for help at the most difficult time in their lives, and I want them to know that we will do everything in our power to support them.

“We know reporting something so distressing to us can be daunting and scary but please know we are here to help you and we have specially trained officers who will support you throughout.

“I would urge anyone who has been a survivor of a sexual offence to please come forward and get the support they rightly deserve.

“Whether a survivor chooses to involve the police or not, support is available to everyone.”

Always dial 999 in an emergency. You can also report any crime online or speak to us by calling 101.

There is a rape and sexual assault reporting tool on our website where offences can be reported.

Here you can tell us what has happened to you, or to someone else. You can report anonymously, without giving us your details.