REPS SPOTLIGHT
SJ: Of course, the Federation exists because of its members’ contributions, and we are elected to the role of a representative by those members. We have an obligation to listen to the views and concerns of the membership and take those forward. In the police force, if you do not understand the concerns and issues at the heart of your communities, you cannot provide an effective level of service to the public. This is the same within the Federation.
P: What are the biggest barriers women in policing face today, and how can the Federation address them? SJ: Several barriers affect women, not just within policing, but within all organisations across the country. The biggest of those are still sexual harassment, misogyny, discrimination, and blocked opportunities. It is important these barriers are broken down as they hinder women’s career progression. It is not just a matter of fairness; it is essential for creating a police force that truly reflects and understands the communities it serves. The Federation can advocate for stronger anti-harassment policies, ensure mechanisms for reporting abuse are safe and accessible to its members, and push for leadership that fosters a more inclusive, respectful, and supportive environment for all officers, regardless of gender.
P: How do you plan to encourage more women and underrepresented groups to pursue leadership roles within the Federation and the police force? SJ: I intend to work with the force and staff associations locally to promote mentorship programmes, leadership training, and career advancement resources specifically targeted at women, helping them develop the skills and network needed to advance to higher ranks within the force. I also intend to highlight the achievements and career paths of women and underrepresented individuals in leadership roles within the Federation and the police force, as these success stories can serve as powerful examples and inspire others to pursue similar paths.
P: Are there any particular areas as a rep which you want to focus on? Conduct and performance, for example. SJ: As the Chair of Staffordshire Police
30 | POLICE | FEBRUARY | 2025
Federation, this role profile also entails the conduct and performance portfolio, as a
would be beneficial to develop my skills. “I intend to work with the force and
staff associations locally to promote mentorship programmes, leadership training, and career advancement resources specifically targeted at women.”
conduct and performance liaison officer. My focus at this time will be developing my knowledge and experience within this area. However, I will soon be undertaking an equality course as this is an area I feel
P: It’s exciting to have a new element added to your career, are you looking forward to it? SJ: I am really looking forward to embracing the role and hopefully bringing forward some new changes and views to the local
branch. With the elections coming up in the next few weeks, I also look forward to introducing a new cohort of workplace reps into the branch, so we have more resilience to support our members.
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