FEMALE CHAIRS (CONCLUDING PART)
creating an environment where everyone feels heard has made us stronger as a branch in such early stages of a new office. Another shift is my increased focus on
communication. In this role, transparency and regular updates are crucial to keep members informed and maintain trust, especially during periods of change or challenge. Finally, I’ve developed greater resilience
and patience. Not every issue can be resolved quickly, and sometimes progress is slower than I’d like. I’ve learned to keep a steady focus on long-term goals while still supporting colleagues day-to-day. Overall, this role has made me a more strategic, collaborative, and resilient leader.
What does it mean to you personally to be part of a record number of females leading Federation branches? To me, being part of a record number of females leading Federation branches is both deeply meaningful and a sign of real progress. Personally, it’s a source of pride because it reflects how the policing world—and the Federation itself, is evolving to better represent the diversity of our workforce. When I first joined the service, there were far fewer females in senior roles, and it sometimes felt like certain spaces weren’t open to us. To now be part of a cohort of females in leadership sends a strong message that those barriers are shifting. It also brings a sense of responsibility. I
know how important it is for other females and indeed all officers, to see visible role models who prove that leadership positions are achievable, regardless of gender. Representation matters, because it shapes people’s aspirations and confidence. But while it’s encouraging, it’s also a reminder that we still have work to do. I want to help ensure that females not only reach these positions but feel supported, valued, and able to lead authentically. Ultimately, being part of this record number of female leaders motivates me to keep challenging stereotypes, champion equality, and pave the way for even more diverse leadership in the future.
Do you feel the increasing visibility of women in these roles is having a tangible effect on your colleagues, particularly female officers or reps? Yes, I think the growing visibility of females in these roles is making a real difference. I’ve seen more female officers and reps feel
38 | POLICE | OCTOBER | 2025
encouraged to step forward because they can see them already leading and making an impact. It’s helping bring important issues, like flexible working or women’s health into the mainstream and is slowly changing the culture to be more inclusive. There’s still work to do, but it’s inspiring real confidence and momentum. How can the Federation continue to encourage a wider range of voices in leadership without making representation feel tokenistic? I think the key is creating genuine pathways for development rather than simply focusing on ticking boxes. The Federation needs to invest in mentoring, training, and support so people from all
my own team, but I was encouraged to stand, and I did unopposed and have not been opposed since (in over eight years now). I do miss having my own team of course, but I think in my time we have made some really positive changes locally and I am proud of that. I think with now only a year until I retire it’s time to start to plan to hand over the baton!
“I think the most important qualities is being able to adapt, being honest and approachable and be willing to admit when you are wrong.”
backgrounds feel confident and equipped to step into leadership roles. It’s also important to listen actively to
underrepresented groups about the barriers they face and work to remove them. Above all, representation shouldn’t
be about numbers, it should be about ensuring diverse voices are valued, heard, and have real influence. That’s how we avoid tokenism and build authentic, inclusive leadership.
In your experience, what are the most important qualities a Branch Chair must bring to the role? I think the most important qualities is being able to adapt, being honest and approachable and be willing to admit when you are wrong! We do not always get it right and make mistakes like anyone else and it’s about learning from them! Equally having a good relationship with the force is vital and being able to engage with the force in the right way as we are usually on the same page. We do not always agree, but sometimes
we need to be able to recognise when to pick a battle for the benefit of our members and not always go head-to-head as it often achieves nothing. I feel nationally that’s important too with our work with government.
LIZ GROOM CHAIR, CAMBRIDGE What inspired you to put yourself forward for this leadership role within the Federation, and how did your journey here unfold? My male predecessor was approaching retirement, and his deputy who was due to take over decided to stand down and left policing. So, the Chair asked if I would be interested in being his deputy with a view to taking over from him when he retired as he felt I had to suitable qualities to be Chair. I think his comments were “you are not afraid to rock the boat so will be good”. I had been the Sergeant Secretary for 11 years so was an experienced Fed rep. It wasn’t something I ever planned to do as a full-time role, as I loved being a frontline Sergeant at the time and having
How has your perspective or leadership style evolved since stepping into this position? I personally think being a Sergeant for some years helped me in that I was used to briefings, and talking to officers often struggling and finding things hard as well as being really busy but the experience of working with legal advocates I think have made me more confident in my own ability and engagement with senior officers and confidence in representation. I don’t think I have changed a huge amount since being Chair as I love being a police officer and that remains and have always been welfare driven an enjoy being really busy! Personally, it’s taken some time to learn I need to take time for myself occasionally and not neglect myself. This role is hard and sometimes feel relentless and thankless. I have two children (my son now being 22 and on the Autistic spectrum) and a 14-year-old daughter so balancing being on call, a high workload and the voice of the branch locally is hard when also a full-time mum too!
What does it mean to you personally to be part of a record number of females
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