“I’ve done seven years as branch secretary - it’s time to pass on the baton,” says Kirsty Bunn, as she looks forward to returning to life on the frontline. 

Kirsty first joined Derbyshire Police back in 2001. She was 23 and her goal was ‘to help people and make a difference’. She has remained true to that ethos over the last 24 years, in her role as a police officer and Fed rep.

After seven years, she has decided to step down as secretary and move into a uniformed role in the Custody Investigation Unit (CIU) at St Mary's Wharf, South Division.

“I wanted to join the Force to help people, and I wanted to become a Fed rep to help colleagues  - it’s just the person or group of people I’m helping that changes,” says Kirsty, who is also branch treasurer.

Kirsty Bunn.

“But the time is right for me to get back into uniform - and I’m going back to the Wharf, I feel like I’m going home.”

Kirsty’s career began in Swadlincote, before she was relocated to Derby North. As her career progressed, she spent time across various safer neighbourhood teams in the Force, before she was elected as full-time branch secretary in 2018.

“I’d been equality lead for some time, and wanted to become a full-time Fed rep branch official,”  said Kirsty, adding: “I wanted to give more. I initially only planned to do the one triennial term, and here I am seven years later.

“I remember when I first became branch secretary, my daughter - who was just six at the time - said that I’d gone from a police officer to a 'police helper' and I loved that.”

Challenging

Kirsty says her time as secretary of Derbyshire Police Federation has been rewarding and a privilege but ‘very challenging’.

She continued: “The mental impact this role has had on me has been massive. As any Fed rep - and especially those full-time - you have to care, it’s part of the job. And you don’t just care nine-to-five, you care round-the-clock, 24/7.

“You can’t help but lose sleep thinking about what some of our members are going through."

Alongside her role as secretary, Kirsty has also represented the branch at the PFEW Women’s Network meetings.

“Don’t get me wrong, equality is continually improving in policing, but it’s still not right. When I head into my new role, my determination to get better representation for women in the Force will continue. I won’t stop fighting for equal rights,” continued Kirsty.

“I never want to lose my drive and passion for helping minority groups within Derbyshire Police.”

Equipped with a whole new set of skills developed during her time as secretary, Kirsty says she will be taking what she has learned into her policing roles moving forward.

Secretary

“I think one of the biggest takeaways for me is that I’ve dealt with so many ranks as secretary - which will give me confidence when speaking to senior officers,” she explained.

“And it’s not just the skills I’ve developed, but I’ve learned so much about myself, too. I recognise that my strongest skills include listening and being empathetic - both of which I will utilise in my new role.

“I also feel confident to challenge when I think something isn’t done correctly but I always try and do this in a professional way.”

Both personally and at work, Kirsty says she lives by the mantra to ‘always treat others like you want to be treated’.

“My mantra will stay the same, but my focus is going to change. I’ll be dealing with the public now, instead of members. My priority is going to be to ensure we can deliver the best possible service as a Force,” said Kirsty, who admits she is already ambitious to get promoted to sergeant. 

“I hope that I will become a sergeant and have a team around me, who knows that I am there for them, - a sergeant who is approachable; a sergeant who they know will always have their back.

Sergeant

“We must trust our colleagues to build the resilience the Force needs to regain its confidence. 

“I can’t wait to get started.”

As Kirsty prepares for the next chapter, she has heaped praise on the Federation and says she will continue to be an ambassador for the work it does.

She said: “The Federation is such a fantastic organisation and all officers should be members. It’s an investment you make, an assurance - and I will always champion the work it does.

“I just wish everyone could see just how brilliant the Federation is.”

Stepping into the role of secretary is Chris Parker, with Lisa Flanagan taking on the role of chair. 

"I wish both Chris and Lisa all the luck in their roles as secretary and chair," said Kirsty, ending: "This is an exciting time for the Federation, and an opportunity for new ideas, new engagement and two fresh faces to help lead the branch forward.

"I'd like to end by thanking everyone who has supported me over the last seven years. It's been an emotional journey, but one I'm very proud of."

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