Meet new branch chair Mark Lee

5 August 2025

Inspired by his uncle, a former Nottinghamshire Police Officer, Mark Lee joined the Force in 2002. 

“At the time, when my uncle was an officer, I’d always be visiting him. They had police houses back in the day, and I’d always be there - from a very young age. I’d listen to his stories and be fascinated by the tales he told. I wanted to follow in his footsteps,” said Mark, who was just 19 when he joined the Force, and 20 when he was first posted.

“You really did feel like you were part of a ‘police family’ back then. If you ever needed support or help, you felt like you could turn to anyone and get it. 

“Now, I often feel like officers or teams, are working in silo. Policing has become a job rather than a career - and my aim is to support the Force in trying to change this culture.

 

 

“Part of what drove me to put myself forward as chair is my desire to bring back that ‘police family feeling’. In my opinion, it’s all about stripping it back to basics, and working together to maximise the output.

“It’s time we strip out all the noise and focus on what’s important.”

Mark is keen to create a ‘happy workforce’.

“I firmly believe that a happy workforce means a productive workforce,” he added.

Promotion

Mark became a workplace rep around seven years ago, having needed support from the Federation himself during a promotion process.

“I gain a lot of satisfaction from helping people - whether that help is something small or big,” continued Mark, whose thirst for supporting others helped ignite his passion to one day become chair of the branch.

“Our members drive me.”

Outlining his priorities, Mark said his key areas of focus will be around:

• Improving visibility of the branch

• Encouraging transparent two-way, regular communication with members

• Boosting confidence and trust in the Federation

• Maximising support available for members

• Working collaboratively with the Force, to challenge and influence

• Supporting members with their wellbeing

“I believe that we, as a Federation, do a lot of good work - and we need to better communicate that,” Mark said.

“I want our members to hear about the support we offer and the work we do. I want to show police officers why they should be members of the Federation. And for that to happen, communication is key.”

Determined to improve his own visibility, Mark pledges to get out and talk to members as much as possible.

Positive

“I’m feeling positive about the future,” he said.

“I’m ready to give our members a voice, at both local and national level. And I will continue to promote Nottinghamshire police officers, while working collaboratively with the national Federation.”

High on his agenda is wellbeing, with improving the mental health of officers a huge priority for Mark.

“Mental health and wellbeing are very important to me,” explained Mark, who faced his own mental health challenges following the death of his dad seven years back.

“Just because we’re police officers doesn’t mean we don’t experience life’s challenges - we’re all human behind the uniform, we’re not just numbers. However, you don’t always get an ‘arm put around you’ in the police.

Thanks

“I think the police need to get better at looking after people. 

“I want members to know that I am there for them - if it’s important to them, it’s important to me.”

Mark ended by thanking his predecessor, former chair Simon Riley.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Simon for his work as chair,” he said, ending: “I’ve got big shoes to fill, but I’m excited to find out what I can now achieve in this role.”

READ MORE: Read more features in our excellent new summer magazine.