I was on the tube when I saw an advert about the new Direct Entry superintendent role. At 41, I had been head of human resources for Santander for nearly 12 months and before that I had worked as a tax consultant for KPMG for about 13 years.
Yet when I read the ad, it sparked something inside me. I have always felt very lucky and privileged, and had a sense of fulfillment helping people who didn’t have those advantages; I spent time in my previous job volunteering at a hostel for the homeless.
What appeals about policing is the mixture of helping others and the challenges and excitement that comes with the job. It has been fascinating to learn about organised crime and counter-terrorism.
The Direct Entry programme was a good starting point for me. The rank of superintendent means I can use my management skills. Although I had done a law degree at the University of Warwick and a legal practice course, this hasn’t really made a difference to my skillset. I have been able to bring to the role, leadership, calmness and a willingness to learn. I would say 75% of the skills required for the job are generic, such as the ability to lead, manage people, have financial skills and assess risk. Only 25% is acquired knowledge on training.
When I was making risk-based assessments in previous roles, the risk was financial – sometimes it was a company’s corporate reputation at stake. Now the risk is about life, and the weight of responsibility makes those decisions feel much heavier.
One of the things that feels completely different is working with people who have a vocation. There is a strong sense of public service – the majority of people in policing don’t see it as a job, but as a way of life.
I finish my training in May and I have had lots of support. The College of Policing allocates mentors, but the everyday support you get in the force is also really good.
On a typical day I get sent information on what has happened overnight in London and also what has happened in my borough. I may be involved in looking for missing people: a child at risk of sexual exploitation, or someone with mental health problems. This could involve looking at telecommunications data – you have to give each case individual scrutiny.
I feel at the end of every day when I go home that I have helped somebody, or have helped an officer who has helped someone.
Learn more about applying for Direct Entry to the police service at superintendent level.
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