Six inspiring women recognised at national BAWP awards

Two female police officers from Leicestershire Police have each won a prestigious national award and four other officers and members of staff have been highly commended.

Five hundred inspirational women from forces across the UK were nominated for 11 British Association for Women in Policing (BAWP) awards on Monday 5 June. 

Superintendent Manjit Atwal, Chair of Leicestershire’s Women’s Inclusive Network, said; “I was incredibly proud as the Chair of Leicestershire’s WIN to watch our officers and staff receive their awards at the BAWP conference this week.  They are all truly inspirational women and fantastic role models, as are so many women within our force, and they should be incredibly proud of what they have achieved.

“I am also very impressed that one of our winners, and one of our highly commended officers, have less than three years’ service which is again an incredible achievement against strong competition from far more experienced officers across the country.

BAWP AWARDS 2023

PC Millie Barton from Leicester City Centre NPA is the WINNER of the BAWP 2023 Community Service Award.

Millie is described by her inspector as “a true leader,” and “a role model to others.”

She is the Dedicated Neighbourhood Officer for the Riverside beat and, despite having only three years’ service, has quickly developed a passion for her community.  Through hard work and persistence, she has made links with local youth clubs, Leicester City Council, Leicester City Football Club and the Leicester Riders to use sport as a positive means of diverting young people away from anti-social behaviour and it has proved a great success attracting the attention of the Lord Mayor and local media. She has secured funding to make the projects sustainable for the future. These partnerships have proved pivotal in significantly driving down anti-social behaviour and drug use in the area.

Millie is an ex-paramedic and has shown a deep personal commitment on the NPA for tackling violence against women and girls. Again, enlisting the support of local partners, she secured a safe space for domestic abuse survivors to socialise, build confidence and access physical and mental wellbeing support as well as access to sports coaches. 

Inspector Nadia Rana said: “The passion that she has in her heart for our community is something that comes from a place of genuineness.”

PC Barton said; “I feel truly honoured to receive the Community Service Award from the British Association of Women in Policing (BAWP). I feel very passionate about helping people and serving the community, providing support and improving lives. Receiving this award would not have been possible without the support from my team and colleagues and I am truly thankful.”

L-R: CC Michelle Skeer, PC Millie Barton and the award sponsors 

The WINNER of the BAWP 2023 Police Officer of the Year Award was presented to an officer for her work in the world of cyber-crime.  This officer has asked for no publicity. 

Highly Commended

Police Officer of the Year – PC Jade Taylor, Response Officer, Keyham Lane

Jade has made a very big impression in a very short space of time. She has been a police officer for less than two years but in that time has been involved in many examples of exceptional police work. 

She takes responsibility for her own development and pushes herself forward for extra work.  After just eight months in the role her tutor constable, who has mentored many student officers, said: “I can confidently say that Jade is by far the most competent student officer I have worked with.”

Within just her first eight months, Jade has been praised for her work as one of the first officers on the scene at a murder giving significant first aid and sensitively telling relatives about the death of their loved one; she has been hoisted 30 feet in the air by the fire and rescue service to assist negotiators talk to a person threatening to jump from a four story roof and secured a conviction in a complex investigation of perverting the course of justice and has received no less than eight good work emails from superintendents, inspectors and sergeants.

Jade’s drive, professionalism and strong will for justice and helping people is admirable. She is incredibly well respected by her peers of all ages and experiences and produces incredibly high standards of work, and often takes the lead on incidents.

Inspirational Woman – Sally Porch, Senior Health and Wellbeing Advisor

Sally helps all officers and staff who need support and advice with their general health and fitness or fitness test as well as helping to rehabilitate those returning to full duties.  She is deeply committed to helping others and is always energetic, smiling, supportive and caring.     

She continually adds value to the workforce.  She organises the force’s much anticipated ‘Elf Run’ which has raised thousands of pounds for charity; she has had a 1-kilometre walking route installed at force headquarters and she is hoping to introduce ‘wellbeing bikes’ to the force as well.

Sally chairs the Physical Activities Tasking Group; sits on the nutrition board; gives presentations on wellbeing, fitness and health and is an active member of the Women’s Inclusive Network and Adoption and Fostering Groups supporting the force’s ‘Keep in Touch’ days. 

She introduced the Rosemary Conley 28 Day Immunity programme to the force which has significantly increased peoples’ wellbeing, weight loss and fitness.  

It is obvious Sally cares about people. She coaches, mentors, excels in her role and inspires success in others.  She has a huge heart and helps anyone she can.  Her energy and commitment to the force are exceptional.

L-R: Sally Porch and CC Michelle Skeer 

The BAWP 2023 Highly Commended award for Leadership was presented to member of staff for her work in police intelligence.  This member of staff has asked for no publicity.

The BAWP 2023 Highly Commended award for Excellence in Performance was presented to member of staff for her work in CID.  This member of staff has asked for no publicity.