For almost a decade, Emma Arthurs has supported Suffolk Police Federation members with compassion, innovation and an unwavering commitment to ensuring officers never feel they are facing difficult circumstances alone.

Emma became the branch’s Equality Lead seven years ago before taking on a full-time Federation role in 2025. This has allowed her to combine her passion for welfare, equality and inclusion with dedicated representation, making a tangible difference to members across Suffolk Police.

Her support for colleagues diagnosed with cancer is particularly personal. Drawing on her own experience of the disease, Emma speaks openly and honestly to help others feel understood and supported.

She created and facilitates a peer support network for those affected by cancer and has delivered engaging awareness sessions using breast and testicular prosthetics. By encouraging frank conversations, she has helped break down embarrassment and stigma around checking for symptoms and seeking help.

Emma has also worked tirelessly to strengthen relationships between the Federation, the force and its staff support networks, making it easier for members to access the assistance they need.

Her innovative approach to welfare led to the launch of Feels on Wheels, Suffolk Police Federation’s wellbeing van. The initiative takes accessible and confidential mental health support directly to officers at their workplaces.

During Response Policing Week, the van helped Emma and the branch engage with more than 100 response officers. It also provided hot drinks, snacks and a welcoming space for colleagues policing the local football derby between Ipswich and Norwich.

For Men’s Health Month, Feels on Wheels toured police stations with a men’s health coach, creating opportunities for meaningful conversations and allowing members to access advice directly.

The initiative has increased the Federation’s visibility and strengthened relationships with officers. It also reflects Emma’s belief that even when a representative cannot remove the pressures facing members, a timely conversation or small act of kindness can make their day a little easier.

Her compassion extends to members and families experiencing bereavement. Following the sudden death of Acting Detective Sergeant Matt Burgess-Powell, Emma supported his husband, family and colleagues through an exceptionally painful period.

She helped them navigate the immediate aftermath and continued providing practical and emotional support long after Matt’s funeral. Her presence demonstrated that the Federation’s commitment does not end once the initial crisis has passed.

Emma brings the same determination to her equality work. She challenges outdated attitudes, champions inclusion and ensures members are treated with dignity and respect.

Most recently, she provided expert representation to two officers during a successful employment tribunal that found they had experienced unlawful direct discrimination because of their gender.

While welcoming the outcome, Emma has focused on the opportunity it presents to work constructively with senior leaders and improve conditions for the wider membership.

Her expertise has also received national recognition. After being nominated for the PFEW Outstanding Contribution to Women in Policing Award, Emma was invited to speak about personal resilience during PFEW’s International Women’s Day webinar.

Suffolk Police Federation Chair Darren Harris said, “Emma sees possibilities where others might see obstacles. Feels on Wheels, her cancer support work and her equality advocacy all began with the same question: what do our members need, and how can we take that support to them?

“She has the courage to discuss subjects people sometimes avoid and the sensitivity to make those conversations feel safe. Whether she is supporting a bereaved family, representing officers through discrimination proceedings or sharing her own cancer experience, Emma gives people her time, honesty and humanity.

“Her work has made our Federation more visible, more accessible and more responsive. Most importantly, it has shown members that support can be practical, personal and present long after the immediate crisis has passed.”