A custody sergeant from Lancashire has been recognised with the National Women in Policing Award at the Police Federation’s Centenary event.

Sgt Hana Alayli-Moore, who has worked tirelessly to improve provisions for both male and female colleagues, was given the award by Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick during the centenary event on 21 November.

She introduced the idea of ‘Maternity Buddies’ after noticing that female members of staff felt isolated both before and after pregnancy. The system saw male and female volunteers identified within the workplace to receive relevant training to enable them to support their colleagues.

Sgt Alayli-Moore assisted in the delivery of the training and devised a process where expectant colleagues, or those going through the adoption process, are allocated a specific point of contact to assist them during this very important period of their lives. This scheme has been adopted as best practice and has had a profound and positive impact on others, significantly reducing the anxiety of colleagues whilst on maternity leave and ensuring a smooth transition when they return to work.

In addition, the Lancashire officer also chairs a Menopause Action group and was a keynote speaker at a recent Women’s Network event highlighting the menopause and the effect it can have on the working lives of police officers and staff.

Her tenacious and proactive approach has also been put to good use with a Divisional Wellbeing board which she also chairs. As a result, Sgt Alayli-Moore has ensured that trends and issues are flagged up at the earliest opportunity, helping to both support the individual concerned whilst keeping the Senior Management Team aware so long term solutions can be implemented where appropriate.

This solution-focused approach has led to a significant increase in wellbeing for her colleagues and women across the police force, and the adoption of several best-practice methods.

On receiving her award, Sergeant Alayli-Moore said: "I feel privileged and proud and somewhat overwhelmed."

"I have personal experience of significant loss during early childhood and, like many of my colleagues, I have been exposed to traumatic events serving on the front line of policing.

"I understand first-hand the impact that trauma and difficult times can have on your wellbeing. These experiences have made me incredibly passionate about all things wellbeing-related. I believe in looking after our staff, colleagues and peers to help maintain a psychologically healthy, happy and productive workforce, ultimately ensuring a high-quality service delivery to the public.

"I recognise the qualities in those I work with and seek to develop others by sharing learning and self-reflection. Leading by example, I actively motivate and encourage others to be passionate and positive about their work by adopting a positive team culture.

"I am particularly proud of the progress made so far relating to the menopause as this will at some point affect every female within the organisation. The first draft of our Force Policy and accompanying toolkit has been devised and I am confident this will be well received. My hope is this will educate others and increase all-round awareness of the difficulties experienced by individuals and ensure the appropriate support is put in place during what can often be a difficult and challenging journey."

Police Federation Women’s Lead Belinda Goodwin said: "It is very humbling to read such an outstanding contribution to women in policing, and what Sergeant Alayli-Moore has achieved very much goes above and beyond her duties as a custody Sergeant. It is clear that she is passionate in all that she does and has even taken the time to seek further education around issues that we as police officers face on a daily basis. This in itself has had a real impact on the women that Sergeant Alayli-Moore comes in to contact with. As the national lead of the Women’s Network I am very proud of what she has achieved; she is a truly worthy winner of this award."

Sgt Alayli-Moore, added: "I am incredibly grateful for all the help and support from my MatPat and Menopause Action Group mentors who support their colleagues and peers, in addition to doing their busy day jobs. They are a passionate group of individuals who are committed to helping others. I want to thank my husband and children who are nothing but supportive with the work that I do, more often than not, when I am off duty. They, along with my own personal life experiences, helped shape me to be the person I am today."