Get to know your reps: Helen Self

8 July 2021

“It’s a varied and valuable part of what we do,” says Helen Self, as she explains the role of a Federation workplace representative.

Helen joined Suffolk Police almost 25 years ago, attracted by the idea of working with the public and doing something different.

“My career highlights include working on the SNT, while getting out and about meeting people,” says Helen, who is currently a community engagement officer.

She became a Fed rep because she wanted to help others.

“I like making a difference,” said Helen, whose first posting as an officer was Bury St Edmunds response, “I bring communication and listening skills to the role.”

The challenge, she admits, is when colleagues lose their jobs or when she sees people struggling. 

Helen passed the health and safety NEBOSH exam and is Post-Incident Procedures (PIP) and discipline trained. She is hoping to undertake an equality course in December this year.

“My key priority is looking after the health and safety of officers,” she says, explaining that one focus is to sort out the radio issues within the Force. “This last year has been a difficult one trying to keep members as safe as possible during the pandemic.”

Looking forward, Helen anticipates the pandemic will continue to have an ongoing impact on the Force, officers and police staff.

She said: “I think a challenge for us will be the public’s perception of policing during the pandemic. The pandemic has affected us all, at home and at work. I feel that we, as police officers, have taken the brunt of the anger from people. I look forward to getting back to normal and engaging with people face to face.”