Celebrating International Women’s Day

“The advice I would have given to a younger me is back yourself and know that you can do it.”

These are the words of North Wales Police’ Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman as we mark

International Women’s Day – a day which is celebrated annually on March 8 to commemorate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women as well as bringing attention to issues such as gender, equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women.

We spoke to the Chief Constable and Dawn Docx, Chief Fire Officer at North Wales Fire and Rescue Service – both who are the first female leaders in the police service and fire and rescue service here in North Wales. 

Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman, who is also President of the British Association of Women in Policing said: “When I first joined policing, it was very much a male-dominated environment. A lot of the things I found challenging was the balance of having a family and being a Mum and being a Police Officer. The way policing was done didn’t accommodate at all the need for flexible working or the need for changes to shift patterns, so that time was really challenging and tiring. But we now offer a greater opportunity for people to be able to give and serve and be the important person they want to be in their families’ lives.

“I would also say that some of the support I’ve had has been from my male colleagues – the people that have supported me the most and the people who have made me realise my potential, haven’t necessarily been other women. It has been male colleagues who have seen that ability, believed in me and backed me. So, I do think there’s a real support out there for making sure that we have that balance that gender brings and the difference that gender brings.”

When asked about what has changed over the years CFO Docx said: “When I was younger I used to have to think I needed to be as tough as any man, work twice as hard as a man and had to be three times as dedicated. It’s taken me a while to realise I don’t have to pretend to be something I’m not. I just must be me, to be an authentic leader and to do my best.

She went on to encourage women to join the Fire & Rescue Service: “If you want a career that really means something; if you want to keep people safe, or be there in their worst hour of need, then join us in the Emergency Services.”

CFO Docx then went on to reflect on: “Some of the criticism that’s been made around the Fire and Rescue culture – we are not complacent; we can always improve our culture but equally we have some fantastic people working for us and we would encourage you to join us and be part of that change.”

In celebration of International Women’s Day, we spoke to several women about their contribution to North Wales Police.

Chief Inspector Caroline Mullen-Hurst is based with the Operational Support Services and has responsibility for the Roads Crime Unit and Drone Team:

“I’ve been a Silver Public Order Commander since June 2023 and have now commanded several events including football and protests in force. It was an honour to command the recent Wrexham v Bradford game with Chief Superintendent Sian Beck as Gold, along with PC Julie Williams as my tactical advisor and Bethan Hewitt as Event Planner.

“In addition to the Silver Public Order Commander role I am a Tactical Firearms Commander (TFC), Regional TFC trainer and CTSECO. Hopefully in being seen performing such roles I and my colleagues can function as role models to show other females, particularly working mums such as myself, that they too can perform these roles.”

PC Sarah Hughes-Jones, Neighbourhood Policing Team, Wrexham:

“I am PC Hughes-Jones and work within this team of female officers who make up part of the Neighbourhood Policing Team in Wrexham City Centre. We are committed and extremely proud of the role we undertake in our community on a day-to-day basis.  We work with partnership agencies to reduce crime, provide high visibility reassurance, and engage within the communities we serve.

Lou Roberts, Digital Communications & Engagement Assistant and Specials Inspector for the Eastern area:

“2024 is my tenth year in Policing having worked in a variety of Police staff roles in both North Wales and Cheshire Police. My role within Corporate Communications is so different to anything I’ve done before, and I absolutely love it. I’ve always had an interest in media and photography which my role allows me to be creative with. My job focuses on campaigns and events such as our Reduce Demand campaign, recruitment material, the national Eisteddfod which we attended last year, and our Force Open Day coming up in September. I love being able to get out across North Wales meeting officers and staff from so many different departments and helping to promote the amazing work they all do.

“In 2020 I joined as a Voluntary Police Officer in Flintshire South to see the operational side of Policing, which is hugely different from my desk job! I’ve really enjoyed being able to see what it’s like on the front line, supporting operational colleagues, helping local communities, and developing my own skills. Last year I took on the role of Special Inspector for the Eastern area covering Flintshire and Wrexham. The Special Constabulary has its own rank structure to mirror that of the regular Constabulary, supervisors are there to help and support Special Constables across the force with training, development, wellbeing, and lots of other things. The best part of my role is seeing new officers develop over time, gain knowledge and confidence and seeing some of them come back after joining as PCs – it’s great to see how much progress they’ve made!”

Sergeant Kate Bithell, Force Audit, and Inspection Team:

 “I’ve been with North Wales Police for 17 years and have worked in a variety of roles including Local Policing Services, Neighbourhood Policing Team, Operational Support Services and Staff Officer to Chief Officer Team.

“I’m a Licensed Search Officer and am trained in Disaster Victim identification. I’m also a Wellbeing Champion and enjoy supporting others through the Force walking group.

“As the Gender Equality Network secretary, I work with colleagues and function as a critical friend to the Force on recruitment, well-being, retention, and development matters, to ensure an organisation that is equitable and fair in terms of gender.

“I enjoy policing in North Wales and delivering a high level of victim service. It’s highly rewarding to exceed public expectation and know you’ve made a difference.

“Outside of work I’ve been a volunteer with the Mountain Rescue (North East Wales Search and Rescue) for 18 years and have recently joined the Search and Rescue Dog Association (SARDA). I have an 18-month-old black labrador called Willow who I’m trying to train as a future search dog although she has other ideas!”

From Firearms Officers to Dog Handlers, Detectives to Custody Nurses, the Corporate Communications Team to the Control Room, PCSO’s to volunteers – we have over 1,680 female employees doing a variety of roles within North Wales Police, working around the clock supporting our communities.

Chief Constable Blakeman added: “We’re proud to support International Women’s Day here at North Wales Police. It is a fantastic opportunity to reflect on the successes of women within policing and wider across the public and private sector. It's also a fantastic opportunity to reflect on the challenges that are still faced by women, both within the workplace and in our society.”

The North Wales Police Gender Equality Network Executive Team said: “8 March marks International Women’s Day - this is a day to celebrate the achievements of women across the world.

“The Gender Equality Network are immensely proud of our inspirational female colleagues across North Wales Police and our extended policing family, doing extraordinary work and delivering an excellent service to our communities every day. As a network, we continue to work hard to ensure our workforce is inclusive and reflective of our local populations; whilst supporting our talented and brilliant staff in the organisation to reach their full potential.”

If you are inspired to be part of #TeamNWP we are currently recruiting for a variety of roles, including Police Constables, Special Constables, and police staff roles. To find out more about our fantastic career opportunities please visit Careers | North Wales Police

Follow #NWPWomen #IWD2024 and #InspireInclusion via social media for updates.

More information regarding IWD 2024 is available via their website: International Women's Day 2024 (internationalwomensday.com)