International Women’s Day: Welsh lead shines a light on female officers, staff and volunteers within policing

8 March 2023

Today is all about celebrating female officers, staff and volunteers, says Welsh lead Nicky Ryan, as she marks International Women’s Day.

And as part of this year’s annual campaign, Nicky has reflected on her career, as she discusses the changes over the years for women in policing along with the challenges female officers still experience. 

As the Federation Specials lead, Nicky has also taken the opportunity to shine a light on female Specials, as she encourages other women who want to have a taste of policing to become a volunteer.

 “I want to shout about all of the fantastic women we have working and volunteering within policing,” said Nicky, who admits that while she believes policing has come a long way since she joined Gwent Police in 1996, she feels there is still a long way to go for female officers.

“Do you know what one of the most frustrating issues is for women in policing? The uniform. How, in this year, when we have so many high-profile women in policing and females in managerial positions, is the uniform so chronic? Women frequently have to wear men’s uniform either because it fits better than female uniform, or is all that is available. It’s ridiculous.

“OK, a lot of good has happened, including the changes surrounding maternity leave but I honestly think we still have some way to go.”

Having spent a short time in the Air Force, Nicky joined Gwent when she was just 23, around 27 years ago.

She recalled: “It was a different set-up back then. We were located in a town, and our team were able to be part of the community. It was very much this idea of old-school policing, with a team around you. As a new recruit, I had the opportunity to really learn my craft, while on the job.

“But while the role was totally different and as was the system - to what it is today - ultimately, the job remains the same – catching criminals and keeping the public safe.”

Having joined as a Federation representative in 2015, Nicky went on to become secretary of the Gwent branch, before being elected as Welsh lead in 2021.

“My predecessor Mark Bleasdale said to me that being Welsh lead would be the best job in the Federation, and he was right,” said Nicky.

“Being in this role has provided me with so many opportunities and allowed me to meet some amazing people. I’ve attended the Police Bravery Awards, which is one of the most inspiring events held. 

“I’ve attended meetings in both the Senedd and Westminster, meeting with some real high-profile politicians and influential people.”

As Nicky prepares to soon retire, she says the work she and the Federation have been doing, seems to finally be paying off. 

“It’s not come easily but I feel like the work we’ve been doing is paying off. All of our letters, us writing to the Government, our calls - it’s finally like our voices are being heard in Wales,” she said. 

“Of course, there are still so many challenges that policing is facing. At the moment, the media really dislike the police more than ever - we can’t do anything right. 

“And unfortunately, the damage that has been done by certain individuals will take years to recover from and as a result, the culture change across the Force is going to be massive and take time. The interesting thing will be that these changes will need to be delivered simultaneously to officers delivering business as usual - after all, policing doesn’t stand still.”