12 IN THE SPOTLIGHT


MeetANN BARNES – Kent Police and Crime Commissioner…


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What did you want to be when you were growing up?


I’ve always had a drive to be a public servant and the need to make a difference. I’ve always been a fan of public speaking and still tread the boards now as part of my local drama group. I originally thought of a career in law, but it didn’t work out that way.


Who has been your greatest inspiration or role model and why?


I have to put this down to my Dad, Jack. He instilled in me a public service ethos and a ‘can do’ attitude. I also believe in giving back to society. I am who I am because of him.


What is the most memorable moment of your career to date?


It has to be the 15 November 2012 and that moment on the platform when my name was announced as the winner of the Kent Police and Crime Commissioner election. It was such a fantastic feeling and I am indebted to my family and a small band of friends who helped me. I can never ever repay them. The odds were against me as Kent is a


Conservative county. I was humbled by the scale of the vote and the confidence local people have shown in me. Now there is one person who is the link between the police, the people and our local communities. It has been a whirlwind so far.


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What barriers to success have you come across and how did you deal with them?


Standing as an independent candidate was very challenging. I was also facing stiff competition from the political machinery of the political parties in Kent. I think, for me, I just really got stuck in and put my heart and soul into my election campaign. I’m not a politician and stood on a platform of no party politics and no


GRAPEVINE Spring 2013


– no-one and nothing else and I think that officers should follow that same rule. This is about every family and community they serve. You can’t go wrong if you listen to the public and to go with your gut instinct. Never forget it’s an honour to be an officer and the public should always be at the forefront of everything they do.


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privatisation of Kent Police. I will not be the bureaucrat, beavering away at my desk during my term of office. I want to understand exactly what the local problems are and to do that, I have got to get to the ‘nuts and bolts’ and that’s being out on the frontline with the people. I will be out of my office more than I am in it, talking to the people of Kent.


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How have you achieved a satisfactory work/life balance?


Ask my husband – his work and life balance is worse than mine! My home life is very important to me as I love being with my friends, family and my two dogs so it’s important that there is a compromise. You’ll have to guess which one of us compromises. It’s been extremely busy but I am loving


every minute of it. I’m three months into the role and so far I’ve kept my promise of being out of the office more than I am in it. I’ve been taking my Ann Force 1 bus across the county to listen to public priorities and concerns. It’s difficult as you’re juggling so many things.


I’m just about to finish consulting on my


Police and Crime Plan that sets out my priorities for the year and also agreeing my budget. These are big decisions that I’ve had to make very quickly.


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What advice would you give to an ambitious new officer or member of police staff?


It’s all about the people, people, people. The people of Kent are my number one priority


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What three words describe your personality?


Forthright and inventive and loyal and I don’t take myself too seriously, I am very serious about my job as Kent Police and Crime Commissioner though.


What are your vices?


I’m impatient with bureaucracy and people who put their own needs before the needs of the people they serve.


Where is your favourite holiday destination and why?


Kenya. My veterinary surgeon husband was brought up there, so it’s like going home for him when we go on safari there. Nearer to home it has to be the river Nailbourne near my home in Lyminge. It’s so serene and a joy to walk along. It makes me realise just how lucky I am to live in Kent.


Where do you see yourself in five years time?


Who knows – five years ago I would never have thought I would have fought an election and achieved the success I have against all the odds. I did observe to my family that it’s a shame I didn’t start all of this earlier. I could be Prime Minister by now. My husband groaned, put his head in his hands. and muttered. But whatever happens in the future I will


remain a Liverpool fan – no questions asked!


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