REPS SPOTLIGHT
are treated fairly.” As the detective lead for her Federation branch, sitting on the Police Federation National Detectives’ Forum, she is also pressing for the profile of detectives to be raised in force, and is encouraging more detectives to consider becoming Fed reps to support colleagues in need. “It’s really important the Federation represents the membership it serves and that’s why I am actively encouraging detectives to consider becoming work-based reps in the City,” explained Suzanne. “Due to the national roles of the City of London Police, it has the highest ratio of detectives in the country, but this isn’t represented in the makeup of our reps. We want our reps to be visible and accessible to all of our membership and that is why it is important they come from every area of our force.”
Suzanne is particularly interested in the conduct and advocacy areas to support members and has recently undertaken the PFEW equality course. “The course had detailed information
about supporting parents and carers. Although forces should have a lead in supporting the welfare of officers and doing the right thing, I think this is an area where we add value as a Federation,” she said. Suzanne never had to use the
Federation for support in the past, but two years ago needed help after a grievance was submitted against her. “It can be a very lonely place as a
supervisor when these things happen, so being a Fed rep, I knew that I could go to the Federation to ask them to support me with this process,” she recalled. “This is an incredibly important message to all supervisors of Federated rank;
New Reps Spotlight
Welcome Jo Westhead, City of London Police Federation Operations Lead
Jo Westhead joined the City of London Police Federation team in January 2023 in a new role as Operations Lead. Her primary responsibilities include supporting the Chair, Secretary, and Federation representatives by managing membership administration and assisting with various local Fed related communications, events, and activities. Jo’s role is vital in supporting the City
Fed’s efforts and ensuring officers have the necessary resources and information to thrive in their roles. One of Jo’s particular interests is member welfare, and she played a significant role in organising the Force Family Fun Day alongside the Branch Chair Mike Reed.
Jo brings a wealth of professional expertise, with more than 25 years of corporate experience. She has worked in various City firms, primarily in roles focused on managing global community
and philanthropy programmes. Jo’s connection to the City of London
Police started when she served as a special constable with the City from 2010 to 2014, which gives her a unique understanding of the needs and challenges faced by officers in the force.
“My previous first-hand experience as a special in the City (and also TVP) allows me to appreciate what our officers have to deal with daily and this role also enables me to continue my long-standing interest and passion for policing.”
Jo is based on the fifth floor at Bishopsgate but also works remotely, demonstrating flexibility in her role to accommodate the needs of the Federation and its members. Jo is known for her helpful and approachable nature and is always willing to assist with any membership queries related to subscription payments, benefits,
and policies. Her role involves ensuring officers have the correct coverage in place according to their needs and she plans to further promote the City Legal Expenses Scheme to highlight its value, particularly for off-duty matters, as well as the Group Insurance Scheme.
If you are a City of London Police Federation member, and you’re not sure whether you’re covered already for the City Legal Expenses Scheme and/or the Group Insurance Scheme, please check your pay slip, or reach out to
jo.westhead@polfed.org.
All members unsure of what Federation benefits and schemes are available can find the contact details for their local branches here:
www.polfed.org/about-us/contact-us
29 | POLICE | OCTOBER | 2023
they are members too and can access the support of the Federation. I would encourage any federated member to seek support from the Federation when needed. Even if, as the position I found myself in, the officer you are managing has Federation support, your branch can find another rep to give support to you as a supervisor too.”
She continued: “I am really looking
forward to getting settled in the role, increasing my knowledge and getting my face better known amongst our membership. I have just commissioned a new magazine publication from the City Federation, the first will be published towards the end of this year. I hope this will be a first step in keeping our members informed on the current work of the Fed, introducing them to their local reps and signposting them to other services.”
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