Reps gain fresh perspectives at first ever ELEVATE event

16 October 2026

Two Durham Police Federation reps have returned from a national development event with fresh perspectives and a stronger support network to help them in their roles representing colleagues.

Inspector Caryn Fairbairn and PC Helen Corner attended the first ELEVATE | Positive Promotion event.

Organised by the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW), it brought together female reps from across England and Wales for two days of networking, discussion and personal development.

Women currently make up 36 per cent of our membership, but 26 per cent of Federation representatives.

 

 

ELEVATE explored why the gap exists and what can be done to remove the barriers to greater female participation.

Caryn and Helen are relatively new to their Federation roles, having taken them up this year.

They said the event had been a valuable opportunity to learn from others, share experiences and explore the challenges facing female officers in policing and Federation work.

Helen said: “It was good for networking and understanding about the Federation and how it works.

Support

“I now have a support network of women I can contact if I have any queries as a Fed rep, or who I can go to for advice and support.”

Sessions explored confidence, self-belief and leadership, with speakers offering advice on overcoming self-doubt and recognising personal strengths.

Helen said a key takeaway was that leadership does not have to mean seeking promotion.

A qualified sergeant, Helen has chosen to remain a constable rather than pursue promotion, but said the event helped her recognise the value of the leadership she already provides.

“We talked about leadership and, actually, you could be a good leader just by being a good police officer or a good Fed rep,” she said.

“You don’t have to be promoted.

Confident 

“That made me feel more confident in myself, being there for my colleagues as a leader in the Federation and also as a police officer.”

Caryn, an operational response inspector, also highlighted the importance of building relationships with representatives from other forces.

She said the event had provided an opportunity to hear different experiences and opinions.

It had also given them a chance to establish a network where the reps who attended could ask each other questions and share advice.

“Helen and I are relatively new to our Federation roles, so knowing there’s a point of contact in different forces is really useful,” she said.

The programme featured a series of development sessions and speakers, including executive coach Anna Allerton, who focused on confidence, development and progression.

Baroness Mary Bousted spoke on building confidence and navigating difficult conversations in male-dominated environments.

Speakers

PFEW acting national secretary Mel Warnes shared her own Federation journey, prompting conversations around confidence, career progression, balancing family and professional responsibilities, and the importance of women supporting other women to put themselves forward.

Caryn said: “The speakers were fabulous.

“There was a lot about empowering and supporting women.

“The main thing I've taken away is that there is a network out there where we can all help each other out and lend an ear as such.”

Helen said she felt more confident about representing colleagues, knowing she can draw on the experience of women she had met at the event.

“I’ve got a greater understanding of the Federation and the role,” she said. “And more confidence in being a rep because I know that these women that were at the conference have got my back.”

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