REPS SPOTLIGHT
Nadia Rana, equality lead and vice-chair at Leicestershire Police Federation, talks about the rewards of being a rep and the need for better female representation. By Anesu Mlauzi
Reps Spotlight
the communities they serve, so we can represent our members effectively and understand everybody’s concerns.” She describes her
motivation to keep working as a rep as “the gratitude of officers, knowing they’ve got somebody they can rely on to support them – that someone has got their backs during troubled times.” “That makes this job worth it, knowing that
Nadia has served the force for 15 years, working her way up to become the inspector for her local city centre. On top of this responsibility, she is a dedicated Federation rep, vice-chair and equality lead for Leicestershire Police Federation, is involved in several networks. These include the Women’s Inclusive Network, which supports, mentors and inspires other women in the force, and the Association of Muslim Police. “I absolutely love being a rep. It is probably one of the best decisions I have made, and, honestly, it is one of the best things I’ve taken up,” says Nadia during an interview for International Women’s Day. She goes on to talk about the
“The more women we get, the stronger we will be – we can learn so much from our male colleagues and we can teach so much as well,” Nadia says. “It is just having that real diversity, nationally and locally, to be able to deliver the best
you can be that somebody for someone,” Nadia says. Nadia has built up trust with many
“Choosing to be a rep is probably one of the best decisions I’ve made”
importance of representation and why it is vital to have more female reps: “We need more women to come into the Federation to give our women support and have that united front and be there to understand the needs of our members.
service to our members.” Nadia says the Federation is “still male-dominated”. She believes that some members would prefer to speak to a female rep, particularly in relation to issues such as menopause, while others would like to speak to someone from a different ethnic background, “who understands the nuances of that culture.” “The only way that is going to change is by us being the change we want to see. We need to reflect our membership in the same way that police need to reflect
colleagues in need over the years, and encourages anyone with a workplace or welfare concern to speak to their local rep. She adds that reps are always on hand to support, provide solutions and guide each step of the way. She encourages other
female officers considering
taking up a new role as a rep to believe in themselves and stresses there is plenty of help when they join.
“Being a rep is really fulfilling – I would
say to anyone who is thinking of joining, go for it. Yes, it might take up your time, but the reward you get from it is absolutely phenomenal,” Nadia encourages. In 2012, Nadia won the Local Police Officer of the Year award for her outstanding performance and was presented with the Munn and Moore Memorial Trophy.
19 | POLICE | APRIL 2023
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