FEMALE CHAIRS PART 1
In your experience, what are the most important qualities a branch chair must bring to the role? Having good leadership, strong communication, listening and organisational skills are a must. Above all I want to show great strength in leadership but also empower those around me to make change and not be afraid to speak up. It goes without saying juggling many hats is part of the day job, yet I still believe every day is a school day and we can never know it all!
How has your perspective or leadership style evolved since stepping into this position? In the last couple of years since taking on this role I believe I have grown in confidence in my abilities to have a voice and ensure those opinions and thoughts are listened to. It takes courage to stand up for your values, I am not a leader that believes that aggression and conformation gets the best outcome, but we should listen, reflect and support where possible.
What does it mean to you personally to be part of a record number of women leading Federation branches? This is a real positive not only for those individuals but a fundamental shift in the Police Federation of the future. For me personally when I first became a rep it was an old boys’ network and a ‘job for the boys’ mentality. I am pleased to say we are a long way from this now and we have truly embraced a more representative Federation that ensures we are future proof, that gives us credibility and accountability and greater transparency to our members.
manage work/personal life and still have a fulfilling career in the Federation.
How can the Federation continue to encourage a wider range of voices in leadership without making representation feel tokenistic?
opportunity and look to carry on the good work laid by my predecessors.
“When I first became a rep it was an
old boys’ network and a ‘job for the boys’ mentality, I am pleased to say we are a long way from this now.”
I feel the Federation needs to acknowledge the changes in our makeup, I would actively advocate a coaching and mentoring ethos, as well as a proactive approach to talent management to ensure we get the right people for the roles. We should be identifying and nurturing individuals for the future by ensuring that the support, advice and encouragement is there.
In your experience, what are the most important qualities a branch chair must bring to the role? Strong leadership with the ability to listen. Strong but respectful and balanced communication. Ability to think strategically to align the goals of the local branch with that of the national PFEW. The ability to promote a culture of
inclusion, respect and equality.
JESS DAVIES CHAIR, WEST MIDLANDS What inspired you to put yourself forward for this leadership role within the Federation, and how did your journey here unfold? I arose to first become Acting Deputy Chair and more recently the Branch Chair. In an ideal world, the journey to get
“I have learnt that be grounded, relatable and to genuinely understand
what members are going through has a far greater impact that any speech or bold statement.”
Do you feel the increasing visibility of women in these roles is having a tangible effect on your colleagues, particularly female officers or reps? Hundred per cent I want people to look to me and see if she can do it so can I, having children, navigating flexible part time working with a career in policing can be tough and I feel I too have been guilty of the imposter syndrome at times in my role as Chair but I hope that people can see in me that it is possible to do the role and
where I am, would be a little less bumpy, however, I am incredibly grateful. I’ve always had a passion for Federation work due to my own experiences in needing Federation support, which is what started me on my journey in discovering the fantastic work our local representatives do. I became a workplace rep and specialised in misconduct and Equality, which was alongside my day job as a response sergeant. Being a full-time rep in a principal role was always an aspiration, however being the Branch Chair was never in my immediate plans! Due to some unforeseen branch changes, the
How has your perspective or leadership style evolved since stepping into this position? I have always been a person who likes to listen to and support others, but this role has deepened that even further. I have learnt that being grounded, relatable and to genuinely understand what members are going through has a far greater impact than any speech or bold statement. It has widened my perspective as I can now see more clearly how individual struggles connect with bigger systematic challenges and this motivates me to persistently advocate for fairness and wellbeing. By creating that space for others, networking and building relationships and having a calm and steady presence really is a powerful means of moving forward.
What does it mean to you personally to be part of a record number of women leading Federation branches? This is clearly a huge milestone in the history of PFEW. I think historically policing has been very
male dominated, particularly in senior roles, so this really illustrates progress. This can now shine a light to our members that it is possible as a woman to be in these senior roles and we can really break down those barriers.
How can the Federation continue to encourage a wider range of voices in leadership without making representation feel tokenistic? Lived experience speaks a thousand words. There`s a real opportunity now for the eight female chairs and the National Chair to become proud role models.
37 | POLICE | AUGUST | 2025
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