‘The system is not changing fast enough’ says Fed member who’s resigned after 25 years

27 February 2023

“I cannot see where I fit into the Force anymore at my age, and how sad is that after all this time?” says Suffolk Police Federation member Becky Webster who has made the ‘difficult decision’ to resign after 25 years.

The 48-year-old sergeant, who works in the Neighbourhood Partnership Team, claims ‘the opportunities that were once there, are not there anymore’, as she calls out the system for not being able to keep up.

Becky says there seems to be a ‘one size fits all’ box for officers to fit in now, as she explains how the values of the police no longer match hers and reveals her worry that the Force will ‘lose experienced officers’ if it does not change.

“I’ve had a brilliant time over the past 25 years, but things need to change - and they are not changing quickly enough,” said Becky, “And it really saddens me. It frightens me to think about the future of policing.

“It took me eight months to make the decision to hand in my notice - it definitely was not an easy one to make.”

Becky recalls how she was initially driven to join the police by her ambition to help people.

“I know it might sound like a cliché but I just wanted to help people, plus, I didn’t ever think I’d be bored in the job - thanks to the diverse nature of policing,” continues Becky.

“Unfortunately, though, I feel the system has become unsupportive - not the people, the system within it. The system just is not moving fast enough, and the opportunities that were once there are not anymore.”

Becky tells how the promotional process has failed her, despite years of ‘really hard work’.

“You really commit to the job and take years working really hard to progress. You put yourself through exams, and intense PDRs, and do anything you can to showcase your value,” explains Becky, who filled the role as acting inspector for two years, and despite ‘proving’ herself in the job, was ‘unable to get over the line because of an exam’.

“And then it all comes down to an exam and one hour in front of a board. I felt like I was too old to be going through the process again.”

The challenges Becky felt when she experienced menopause also contributed to her decision to leave the Force, she recalls. 

“I don’t think the challenges that come with menopause are recognised enough - like brain fog or hot flushes,” she added.

“I believe there are no - or hardly any - allowances for how our bodies, as women, change. And that is quite sad really. I personally lost all my confidence, I started to feel like a total failure. It’s a horrible feeling, because, while I love my job, the daily tasks being asked of me were becoming really difficult. And it felt like the system wasn’t able to adapt to suit my circumstances.

“I have a family, three teenagers at home, and to be honest, it all got too much. The inflexibility of the organisation just doesn’t allow the system to look at people as individuals, with their own needs. And it’s not just women, it’s men too - women just seem to be better at reaching out and talking about it.”

Becky says that now felt like the ‘right time to move on’ and ‘start a new career’.

“I have my own experience, but everybody’s is different. People’s personal circumstances change, and that happens in a job - it’s just the way the police don’t seem to be able to adapt to those changes,” Becky said.

“Wellbeing is huge and if the Force doesn’t start looking after people’s wellbeing, then there won’t be a workforce anymore. People will start to leave.

“I haven’t been treated badly, I know I’ve been supported by my direct line managers but the system itself needs to be modernised.

“I can no longer see where I fit in within the Force anymore. And the sad thing is, when I revealed I was leaving, I had so many others getting in touch with me, asking for advice and telling me they’re also unhappy.”

Becky says she is now sharing her story in hope of helping others. She ended: “If I can help to make some sort of change or make life in the Force that little bit easier for others, then that is what it’s all about.”