'I'm determined to be visible, proactive and approachable'

17 October 2024

It has been a few months since Keith Chambers was elected chair of Derbyshire Police Federation and already, he seems to have proven popular with the members. We caught up with Keith as he gave us an insight into his home life, reflected on his 24-year career and revealed his ambitions in his new role.

It was 2000 when Keith decided to join the Force. He had been working at Toyota at the time, and admits he ‘wanted a job that offered more’.

“I’d had a positive experience with the police when I was assaulted in my late teens. I think the officer that supported me at the time made a lasting impression,” recalled Keith, 53 and a father of three.

“I saw an advert recruiting new officers for Derbyshire Police, and I remember thinking, ‘I can do that’.

“When I first joined the Force, I was definitely as proactive then as I am now - although I think my colleagues would have said I was more like a ‘pain in the neck’."

Reflecting on his career, Keith says Policing has changed since he joined. It’s more political and complex these days, he says - 'even if some processes are more efficient'.

 

Derbyshire Police Federation chair Keith Chambers.

 

He added: “Although policing has changed a lot over the years, the ethos behind policing remains the same: getting bad people off the streets and protecting the public.”

As chair of the branch, Keith is determined to be visible. Priding himself on being a ‘proactive’ and ‘approachable’ person, he hopes that members of all ages and backgrounds feel comfortable speaking to him.

“No conversation is off the table with me,” continued Keith, who aspires to be a positive role model for others.

“I want to be honest and transparent with members - but I also want them to feel like they can be honest and transparent with me.”

Keith was elected as chair earlier this year, and he says he is ‘very excited’ about working alongside fellow full-time Federation reps, secretary Kirsty Bunn and branch wellbeing lead Helen Gallear.

Shared mission

In fact, during his first shift, Keith says he worked alongside Kirsty ‘all those years ago’.

“As a trio, we make a really good team. We challenge each other but equally share the same mission, vision and values,” continued Keith, who revealed he was so fed up with hearing himself moan that he decided to put himself forward as chair.

“I want to change people’s perception of the Federation. I recognise pay is a huge challenge, and cops are coming to work asking if they can afford to pay their Fed subs, yet they can’t afford to buy their own home. I get it - but I want people to understand why it’s so vital that they are a Fed member.

“And I think people are ready to see some change. Our members want to know there’s support there and that there are people who have their back. 

“We’ve got a great team of reps who each do a fantastic job. In fact, our reps are invaluable. Their passion for policing and the investment they have in our members is undeniable.”

Keen to still spend some time in uniform, Keith - a Public Support Unit Officer - says he will continue to cover football matches whenever he gets the opportunity.

Positive working environment

“Resource is low - and I will help out on the frontline whenever I can,” he added.

“I want people to work and be happy. I want to ensure their working environment is positive. I want to retain the good cops we have and attract more.”

Drawing attention to the latest pay and morale survey, Keith said it is more important than ever for officers to participate and have their say.

“Throughout my career, the mental health of officers has always been a concern, but it seems to be the norm rather than the exception, and that’s not right,” Keith continued.

Reflecting on his own personal experiences, Keith accepts that he is now ‘much more aware of his own needs’.

“I now recognise when my body and mind need a break. I feel like I’ve got a really great understanding of myself, both physically and mentally,” he explained.

Keith’s wife, Jenny, was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2020. At the end of last year, she sadly died at the age of 50.

“The pain hasn’t gone away. In fact, it gets harder every day she’s not here,” Keith said, adding: “But the last few years have helped build my resilience. I feel like I can tackle anything now - and I know Jenny will be there with me every step of the way.”

Biggest champion

Jenny was his biggest champion but also his biggest critic - and Keith admits he did not realise just how much he had learnt from her.

“Jenny challenged the narrative,” he continued. “She knocked down the barriers and moved walls.

“She was incredible. During her last few months, I took her to Paris as a surprise for her 50th birthday. And even when she was poorly, she was determined to walk to the top of the Sacré Coeur. That’s more than 300 steps, but she did it - and then she walked back down again."

Keith told how he felt let down by the Force when his wife died - and he is committed to changing internal processes so nobody else has to share such experiences.

“There were many different experiences I encountered from the moment my wife was diagnosed to when she died. This left me feeling lost and, at times, extremely vulnerable, but most of all, undervalued,” he said.

Happy to share his own personal experiences and life stories, Keith wants members to see his more vulnerable side. He wants members to know he is human too, and his door is always open for a conversation - whatever the subject matter.

Healthy future

“As a branch, we have a great responsibility to work with senior leaders across the organisation to help shape a healthy future. We will always be committed to this, but it does not always mean we will agree though,” he said.

“It is our job to ensure that our members' views are heard and conveyed upwards appropriately, and we have a chief officer team who are equally committed to enhancing the working relationship between us and the Force. These relationships will undoubtedly benefit our members.”

Keith ended by encouraging members to look after themselves: “Your physical and mental health is more important than the position you hold - it’s more important than any crime on your workload.

“Always ensure you look after you, speak up if you are struggling, know your own body and seek medical help if you aren’t feeling well, your family need you fit and well and as always please look after each other.”

READ MORE: Pay and Morale Survey: Have your say.