Over recent years my team, and I personally, have had the pleasure of working with Karen Geddes on a number of initiatives to support activity to achieve better representation in the police service. The work that Karen undertook with us was always on top of her own busy schedule and despite this, she would always do it with so much energy, passion and commitment.
Karen has played a key role for Police Now in two of our national programme deliveries – the National Detective Programme which enables graduates to enter policing as a trainee detective constable with no prior experience in policing; and the Frontline Leadership Programme which seeks to support those who are underrepresented in the police service to progress from constable to sergeant rank. In supporting these two programmes Karen has spoken publicly to large audiences, both digitally and in-person, about her own personal story, the challenges she has faced, and the success she has achieved despite these. Karen talks passionately about the privilege she feels it is to serve communities and about the pride she feels in doing this as a Black heritage female. Karen is an inspiring public speaker who is able to instil a feeling of trust and belief with her audience. On top of delivering talks and speeches at events we have also had the pleasure of welcoming Karen to panel Q&As on which she answers questions authentically, not shying away from the challenging realities, while also being able to succinctly demonstrate the positives.
Karen is also a natural networker who spent time at our events interacting with our attendees and offering that personal touch to compliment her actions and words to the whole audience. Outside of events, Karen has also supported the team in the development of resources that show the realities of a role in policing by providing her expertise and experience following a successful career in the service. Karen has always been generous with her time when involved in this aspect of our work and her insights have been so valuable both for my team and for the audiences we are engaging with. I know there are many individuals both in policing and embarking on a career in policing that have been inspired by Karen and continue to be motivated by the time and energy she has invested in them.
I would confidently recommend Karen to work with others on any of the lines of work detailed above and I would also recommend Karen as being someone who would take a brief on a new line of work and ensure that it is delivered to her very high standards.
Best wishes Clare Power
We were so pleased to be able to welcome Karen Geddes to City Academy’s Careers Fair, aimed at improving students’ aspirations for the future, while providing an exposure to post-16 training and employment options.
Karen used her extensive knowledge and experience of working in the Police to educate our young people and challenge their views or perceptions around diversity in the service. Students’ were thoroughly engaged by the discussions; offering their own perspectives and perceptions (particularly around their own diverse backgrounds), which Karen dealt with in her no-nonsense style that challenged misconceptions, with clarity and passion.
This session left many students considering the Police as a potential career as well as with an important message for them to reflect upon: If not you, then who? Thank you Karen and please return to future events!
Si Hetherington
Head of Partnerships
City Academy
I have known Karen in her capacity of Victims Champion for WMP for almost 2 years. During this time, I have seen Karen work with a range of stakeholders tackling a range of issues in relation to victims through the Victims Code Champion meetings.
Karen has led significant improvements across WMP systems and processes that now enable us to better understand our compliance against the Victims Code. The work that we have done together in relation to compliance is recognised as national best practice by the Ministry of Justice and this is in large down to Karen’s leadership and ensuring the right teams are tasked appropriately.
In the past I have described Karen as a ‘powerhouse’ that can make things happen immediately! Karen is well respected, and I believe her interpersonal skills helps with this.
I feel Karen is very much a doer and is very proactive she is able action things almost immediately and I admire this quality in her. Karen is extremely professional and has always managed to have a positive disposition in all of my interactions with her I have found Karen to be a great colleague and someone I have thoroughly enjoyed working with.
Harjeet Chakira
I met Karen in late 2018, when I was facing very distressing and serious allegations. Allegations which were based on racial stereotypes. I didn't know where to turn. Someone recommended me to Karen. After making contact with Karen, she did not hesitate to offer her support and be the shoulder to lean.
It was such a relief to have someone in my corner who doesn't just hear what I was saying but someone who actually listens, believes and understands what I was going through.
Karen supported me through my long battle, which spanned many years. Taking time out of her personal life to support me in meetings (and they were many meeting). This support went along way, as at times when I felt to give up, Karen's support gave me the strength I needed to carry on.
Karen's support had been relentless, I only wonder if she knows how much her support has meant to mental my mental health. Karen's actions have shown me that she is a true champion for driving diversity, equality and inclusivity.
Thank you for all your help and support.
Jason