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Welcome to Episode 62 of the Blue Light Leavers Podcast Nic is a former police officer who left policing after 14 years to move into the banking industry and after a few years in banking investigations, came to the realisation that she needed something that had much greater earning potential, was much more aligned with her personality, where she could use her creativity, work to her strengths and find a role and organisation that matched her values. After a call to talk this through, Nic came to work with me as a 1-2-1 client. In this interview, we talk through her policing career and career in banking, and her catalysts for leaving, and then flipping into a career that's completely different from anything she's ever done before. Nic talks about how the skills and experience that she picked up within policing and banking, are helping her now in her role as Public Sector Sales Manager for Synalogik, (winners of the Queens' Award for Innovation 2022). We talk through the one-to-one process and the work we did together, and we talk through the type of roles, the organisations we were looking at. This is just such a brilliant interview, it really is. Nic was so coachable, it was just an absolute pleasure to work with her and it's amazing to see her so happy, and she also talks about things outside work that have such a massive influence on her and well-being, what she loves doing, and it's just such an inspirational interview. The key message here is that you don't have to follow the most obvious career path. Your skills and experience are absolutely valued in the private sector. This episode is sponsored by the brilliant Motor Source Group. Motor Source Group offer genuine new car discounts to serving and retired emergency services personnel, including Police, NHS, Fire and Rescue, and the Prison Service. They're completely independent, offering a full range of makes and models, and are rated excellent by their customers on Trustpilot. I promise you; you will make savings. To find out more, go to www.bluelightleavers.com/partners Don't forget, you can join the private Facebook Group via www.facebook.com/groups/bluelightleavers The Academy Membership from Blue Light Leavers gives you all the help you need to find your new role or career, including live sessions with Andy and others who've been there and done it along with subject matter experts, talking CVs, LinkedIn, interviews and so much more, so if you're looking for a little more help and support and want to find out more, you can go to www.bluelightleavers.com/academy If you're not sure what roles you can do after the police, check this out: 'What jobs can I do after the Police?' Scorecard (scoreapp.com) You can listen to the podcast on shift, walking the dog, pottering about, and do it on your phone, desktop, laptop, or tablet, anywhere and whenever suits you, pause and play and they're all completely free! Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bluelightleavers/message --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bluelightleavers/message

Welcome to the Special Bonus Episode of the Blue Light Leavers Podcast Some of you who are a bit more eagle-eyed will have seen that Western Australia put an advert out advertising for international recruits, so basically, international transferees, and I was really fortunate to get contacted by someone who had a mate who did exactly that.  Today's episode is with Haydn Farrow. Haydn is a former UK police officer, and he is now a Senior Sergeant with Western Australia Police.  In this episode, we talk about the roles he had in the UK and the process that he went through to make that transfer across to Western Australia, 9 years ago.  He talks about the conversations they had with family, and we also talk about salary and how it compares to UK salary, quality of life and lifestyle. We also talk about pensions, the move itself and the logistics, as well and finding accommodation and where to live, and how to do that research. We talk about the job, culture and the culture fit in the first few months of being in a new role in a new country, and we talk about some of the amazing benefits of being an officer in Western Australia, and I've got to be honest, I was more than a little jealous.  At the time of recording, they're still recruiting, so if you want to check it out, you can go to letsjoinforces.wa/gov.au and at the top, you've got a tab there that says Join the Team, then click through and there is International Transition - Transition Officer International, and there's a whole section that tells if you're eligible, and it talks you through the recruitment process, training at the Academy, and the job itself. If you're interested in finding out more, you can also email the recruitment team on international.recruiting@police.wa.gov.au.  This episode is sponsored by the brilliant Motor Source Group, which, like Blue Light Leavers, is a very proud sponsor of the Emergency Services Football League.  Motor Source Group offer genuine new car discounts to serving and retired emergency services personnel. I promise you; you will make savings.  To find out more, go to www.bluelightleavers.com/partners You can visit the website at www.bluelightleavers.com and join the private Facebook Group via www.facebook.com/groups/bluelightleavers The Academy Membership from gives you all the help you need to find your new role or career, including live sessions with Andy and others who've been there and done it, along with subject matter experts, talking CVs, LinkedIn, interviews and so much more at a ridiculously low price. You can find out more at www.bluelightleavers.com/academy If you're not sure what roles you can do after the police, check this out: 'What jobs can I do after the Police?' Scorecard (scoreapp.com) You can listen to the podcast on shift, walking the dog, pottering about, and do it on your phone, desktop, laptop, or tablet, anywhere and whenever suits you, pause and play and they're all completely free! You can now even ask Alexa to 'Play Blue Light Leavers Podcast' and up it pops. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bluelightleavers/message

Welcome to Episode 61 of the Blue Light Leavers Podcast Now, this one really is a bit special, and this is going to help a huge amount of people.  Today, we're talking pensions and we're really fortunate to be speaking to Rob Heath.  Rob is a former police officer who retired due to ill-health after 23 years' service, and he's now the lead financial advisor for 3nines Financial Planning, and they offer bespoke financial planning for Police and Emergency Services personnel, and Rob is a Police pensions expert. He delivers pension presentations across the UK and he's just an all-round, lovely bloke.  Now the challenge we have here is that a lot of advice and guidance is based on your personal circumstances, and your personal goals and needs, so we've tried to answer all of the pension related questions that were asked within the Blue Light Leavers Group.  We've also tried to deal with some common themes and do some myth-busting. In this episode we talk about that sweet spot of when you should or could go, we talk about the 87/06 and 2015 pension schemes and we also talk about the some of the really bad advice, such as retiring a day before your 55th birthday, and we talk about the risks associated with opting out of the 2015 scheme and we also talk about the pension trap.  We also cover those with less than two years' service who decide that policing isn't for them, and the options they have in terms of getting access to their contributions. We talk about why having 25 years' service and being aged 50 is becoming much more relevant, and we also talk about becoming a financial advisor as a career path, and something that Rob talks about is the Aspiring Advisor Program. You can contact Rob through info@3nines.co.uk The value of an investment of St. James's Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds selected and may fall as well as rise.  You may get back less than the amount invested.  The levels and bases of taxation and reliefs from taxation can change at any time and are dependent on individual circumstances.  3Nines is a trading name of Eight Wealth Management Ltd, who are an Appointed Representative of and represent only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. SJP Approved 18/11/22 Don't forget, you can also visit the website at www.bluelightleavers.com and join the private Facebook Group via www.facebook.com/groups/bluelightleavers The Academy Membership from Blue Light Leavers gives you all the help you need to find your new role or career, including live sessions with Andy and others who've been there and done it along with subject matter experts, talking CVs, LinkedIn, interviews and so much more. DOORS ARE NOW OPEN after 3 months of no new application, so if you're looking for a lot more help and support at a ridiculously low price and want to find out more, you can go to www.bluelightleavers.com/academy If you're not sure what roles you can do after the police, check this out: 'What jobs can I do after the Police?' Scorecard (scoreapp.com) You can listen to the podcast on shift, walking the dog, pottering about, and do it on your phone, desktop, laptop, or tablet, anywhere and whenever suits you, pause and play and they're all completely free! You can now even ask Alexa to 'Play Blue Light Leavers Podcast' and up it pops. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bluelightleavers/message

Welcome to Episode 60 of the Blue Light Leavers Podcast  Today I'm talking to Jamie Stenton, who is a former police officer and now, Marketing Director of Lilac James, who are a Digital Marketing specialist agency.  In this interview, we talked through Jamie's policing career and the roles, skills and experience he picked up in the way, and we also talk about the tipping point when he realised that the additional pressure, timescales, responsibilities and relative salary increase, really wasn't worth it, and there had to be easier ways. During this time, he was developing a family business alongside his day job, and the support he got through, Shifts to Success and Alexander Seery. We talk about the day in the life of the type of work that he actually does now, and we talk through the changes and benefits of being a business owner and getting some control back in his life. He helps signpost some courses and people to follow on Facebook if this is an area that interests you, and we also talk about the importance of investing in your own success and future. This episode is sponsored by the brilliant Motor Source Group, which, like Blue Light Leavers, is a very proud sponsor of the Emergency Services Football League. I've met CEO Steve Thornton a number of times now, I've interviewed him for the podcast and also met the team and been up to their head office and they're just a really lovely bunch of people who are genuinely doing the right thing and doing their bit to say thanks. Motor Source Group offer genuine new car discounts to serving and retired emergency services personnel, including Police, NHS, Fire and Rescue, and the Prison Service. They're completely independent, offering a full range of makes and models, and are rated excellent by their customers on Trustpilot. They also work closely with the Police Federation and with NARPO and they deliver direct to your door. I promise you; you will make savings. To find out more, go to www.bluelightleavers.com/partners Don't forget, you can also visit the website at www.bluelightleavers.com and join the private Facebook Group via www.facebook.com/groups/bluelightleavers The Academy Membership from Blue Light Leavers gives you all the help you need to find your new role or career, including live sessions with Andy and others who've been there and done it along with subject matter experts, talking CVs, LinkedIn, interviews and so much more. DOORS ARE NOW OPEN after 3 months of no new application, so if you're looking for a little more help and support and want to find out more, you can go to www.bluelightleavers.com/academy If you're not sure what roles you can do after the police, check this out: 'What jobs can I do after the Police?' Scorecard (scoreapp.com) You can listen to the podcast on shift, walking the dog, pottering about, and do it on your phone, desktop, laptop, or tablet, anywhere and whenever suits you, pause and play and they're all completely free! You can now even ask Alexa to 'Play Blue Light Leavers Podcast' and up it pops. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bluelightleavers/message --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bluelightleavers/message

Welcome to Episode 59 of the Blue Light Leavers Podcast Ian Grant is a former police officer who's now a Senior Lecturer at a very well-known and hugely respected University, having left school with no qualifications.  He talks us through his police career, we talk about the conversations we had towards the end of his service and coming to terms with that transition, along with the interview processes that he went through for his first role, and how things have just exploded and expanded for him from that point.  This is all with a backdrop of a really significant health condition, so this episode comes with a bit of a warning that it is quite graphic in places with regards to the type of medical condition he has. We also talk about some of the skills and behaviours required for the role, and he gives some amazing advice about what to do and how to plan a year or so before you leave, the importance of networking and how it's had a massive impact on his career success, post-policing.  This episode is sponsored by the brilliant Motor Source Group, which, like Blue Light Leavers, is a very proud sponsor of the Emergency Services Football League. I've met CEO Steve Thornton a number of times now, I've interviewed him for the podcast and also met the team and been up to their head office and they're just a really lovely bunch of people who are genuinely doing the right thing and doing their bit to say thanks. Motor Source Group offer genuine new car discounts to serving and retired emergency services personnel, including Police, NHS, Fire and Rescue, and the Prison Service. They're completely independent, offering a full range of makes and models, and are rated excellent by their customers on Trustpilot. They also work closely with the Police Federation and with NARPO and they deliver direct to your door. I promise you; you will make savings. To find out more, go to www.bluelightleavers.com/partners Don't forget, you can also visit the website at www.bluelightleavers.com and join the private Facebook Group via www.facebook.com/groups/bluelightleavers The Academy Membership from Blue Light Leavers gives you all the help you need to find your new role or career, including live sessions with Andy and others who've been there and done it along with subject matter experts, talking CVs, LinkedIn, interviews and so much more. Doors open again soon, so if you're looking for a little more help and support and want to find out more, you can go to www.bluelightleavers.com/academy If you're not sure what roles you can do after the police, check this out: 'What jobs can I do after the Police?' Scorecard (scoreapp.com) You can listen to the podcast on shift, walking the dog, pottering about, and do it on your phone, desktop, laptop, or tablet, anywhere and whenever suits you, pause and play and they're all completely free! You can now even ask Alexa to 'Play Blue Light Leavers Podcast' and up it pops. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bluelightleavers/message --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bluelightleavers/message

Welcome to Episode 58 of the Blue Light Leavers Podcast In this episode, I'm talking to Steve Thornton. Steve is a multiple business owner and he's the co-founder and CEO of 3 organisations including Motor Source Group and Forces Cars Direct. Now, you may have heard of them as they're trusted and preferred partners for NARPO and the Police Federation, and I'm very proud to say that they are the new sponsors of the Blue Light Leavers Podcast Today, I talk to Steve about his background, his troubled childhood and his military career and we also discuss the transition from the military to civvie life, and we also discussed how he went about creating his businesses.  Steve is really candid, honest and open about some of the challenges he had, particularly around leadership, managing others after the military, and that transition from the military into civvie street.  We also talk about what's really important to Steve in terms of the core values and behaviours that he looks for in his employees. We discuss problem-solving and that initial setup, and we talk about some of the massive challenges that he had along the way. In this interview, we talk through transition, through leadership, and business ownership. There are some fantastic things to learn here, and I'm very proud that they are the new sponsors of the Blue Light Leavers Podcast.  Don't forget, you can also visit the website at www.bluelightleavers.com and join the private Facebook Group via www.facebook.com/groups/bluelightleavers The Academy Membership from Blue Light Leavers gives you all the help you need to find your new role or career, including live sessions with Andy and others who've been there and done it along with subject matter experts, talking CVs, LinkedIn, interviews and so much more. Doors open again soon, so if you're looking for a little more help and support and want to find out more, you can email me at andy@bluelightleavers.com If you're not sure what roles you can do after the police, check this out: 'What jobs can I do after the Police?' Scorecard (scoreapp.com) You can listen to the podcast on shift, walking the dog, pottering about, and do it on your phone, desktop, laptop, or tablet, anywhere and whenever suits you, pause and play and they're all completely free! You can now even ask Alexa to 'Play Blue Light Leavers Podcast' and up it pops. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bluelightleavers/message --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bluelightleavers/message

Welcome to Episode 57 of the Blue Light Leavers Podcast.  Raising Awareness of the Impact of Perinatal Mental Health with Jen Sharpling Jen is a Sergeant in the Metropolitan Police and she's the National Lead for Perinatal Mental Health which is a workstream under the National Family Support Group. She runs the national team and does all she can to ensure there's support for women and their partners for issues relating to perinatal mental health, she gives talks to raise awareness and also talks about her own personal journey. Now, in this episode, we talk about the signs and symptoms of perinatal mental health and postnatal depression, the impact on mum and the impact on partners. We also talk about the help and support that's available. Perinatal mental health and post-natal depression has a huge impact on relationships at home, friendships, and also how parents feel about returning to work, and what I really wanted to do was highlight the amazing work that Jen is doing to help raise awareness. Don't forget, you can also visit the website and at www.bluelightleavers.com and join the private Facebook Group via www.facebook.com/groups/bluelightleavers The Academy Membership from Blue Light Leavers, gives you all the help you need to find your new role or career, including live sessions with Andy and others who've been there and done it along with subject matter experts, talking CV's, LinkedIn, interviews and so much more. Doors open again soon, so if you're looking for a little more help and support and want to find out more, you can email me at andy@bluelightleavers.com If you're not sure what roles you can do after the police, check this out: 'What jobs can I do after the Police?' Scorecard (scoreapp.com) You can listen to the podcast on shift, walking the dog, pottering about, and do it on your phone, desktop, laptop, or tablet, anywhere and whenever suits you, pause and play and they're all completely free! You can now even ask Alexa to 'Play Blue Light Leavers Podcast' and up it pops. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bluelightleavers/message --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bluelightleavers/message

Welcome to Episode 56 of the Blue Light Leavers Podcast. Today I'm talking to Hannah Bailey. Hannah is a former police officer and is the founder of the Blue Light Wellbeing, she is a psychotherapist in Brain Working Recursive Therapy (BWRT), she's a Well-Being Life Coach, she holds qualifications in mindfulness-based stress reduction, counselling PTSD, and Reconnective Healing. In this interview, we talk about her time in the police and being diagnosed with cancer... twice.. and how going through the toughest of times and major life threatening adversity, helped her identify her passion and a new career path. We talk about why she chose to resign and the impact that decision had on her, and then the interview goes two ways. We talk about Psychotherapy and Coaching as a possible career path, and then we talk about the positive impact that this type of therapy can have on you, how it helps and what Hannah can do for you.  She's a true Subject Matter Expert, and we are incredibly lucky to have her in the Blue Light Leavers group and The Academy.  Don't forget, you can also visit the website and at www.bluelightleavers.com and join the private Facebook Group via www.facebook.com/groups/bluelightleavers The Academy Membership from Blue Light Leavers, gives you all the help you need to find your new role or career, including live sessions with Andy and others who've been there and done it along with subject matter experts, talking CV's LinkedIn, interviews and so much more. Doors open again later in September, so if you're looking for a little more help and support and want to find out more, you can email me at andy@bluelightleavers.com   If you're not sure what roles you can do after the police, check this out: 'What jobs can I do after the Police?' Scorecard (scoreapp.com) You can listen to the podcast on shift, walking the dog, pottering about, and do it on your phone, desktop, laptop, or tablet, anywhere and whenever suits you, pause and play and they're all completely free! You can now even ask Alexa to 'Play Blue Light Leavers Podcast' and up it pops. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bluelightleavers/message --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bluelightleavers/message

Welcome to Episode 55 of the Blue Light Leavers Podcast.  Return to Policing or Follow Your Heart with former Police Officer Sophie Leone If you’re going on maternity/paternity leave or considering your options when your period of leave is up, then this is for you. If your partner is close to the point of returning to work after maternity or paternity leave, this interview will give you a real insight into the way many forces treat returning parents and the challenges and inner turmoil, parents or carers returning after maternity/paternity leave go through.  I loved this interview. Sophie has such a lovely gentle, calming aura about her and shares her story so openly, from Detective Sergeant to parent, maternity leave and career break, yoga instructor, author, speaker, and performer and it’s another hugely inspiring interview. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Don't forget, you can also visit the website and blog at www.bluelightleavers.com and join the private Facebook Group via www.facebook.com/groups/bluelightleavers If you're not sure what roles you can do after the police, check this out: 'What jobs can I do after the Police?' You can listen to the podcast on shift, walking the dog, pottering about, and do it on your phone, desktop, laptop, or tablet, anywhere and whenever suits you, pause and play and they're all completely free! You can now even ask Alexa to 'Play Blue Light Leavers Podcast' and up it pops. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bluelightleavers/message --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bluelightleavers/message

Welcome to Episode 54 of the Blue Light Leavers Podcast.  Today I'm talking to Kul Mahay. Now, Kul is a genuine force of nature and inspirational leader. He completed 30 years in policing, reaching the rank of Temporary Chief Superintendent and since leaving in 2015, he's gone on to do some extraordinary things. He delivers leadership training to senior execs and organisations globally, helping them to build highly emotional and social intelligent cultures, really focusing on inclusivity, communications and performance.   He's the founder of the Create and Speak Programme and founder of Ignite Your Inner Potential events. He's an author, he is the co-creator of a new policing drama TV series, and he's also a podcast host.  To be fair, there's not a huge amount that he doesn't do. You're going to really enjoy this I promise.  Don't forget, you can also visit the website and at www.bluelightleavers.com and join the private Facebook Group via www.facebook.com/groups/bluelightleavers  If you're not sure what roles you can do after the police, check this out: 'What jobs can I do after the Police?' Scorecard (scoreapp.com)  You can listen to the podcast on shift, walking the dog, pottering about, and do it on your phone, desktop, laptop, or tablet, anywhere and whenever suits you, pause and play and they're all completely free!  You can now even ask Alexa to 'Play Blue Light Leavers Podcast' and up it pops. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bluelightleavers/message --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bluelightleavers/message

Welcome to Episode 53 of the Blue Light Leavers Podcast. Now I'm sure if you're like me, there are certain times during your working life, where you come to a crossroads and need to make a decision about what you're going to do next. This episode will be particularly relevant for those of you that are considering a career break or have actually taken a career break and are maybe thinking about coming back and what to do.  The theme throughout this episode is about taking risks, and being brave, and what if it all works out... Today I'm talking with Justine Banks, who is a former Metropolitan Police Officer, who did exactly that. They had a real life changing decision to make, and they stepped out of their comfort zone. It's not all been easy for them, and they've been through some really tough times but it just goes to show, that if you do need to take some time out, that you can come back and you can flourish and continue to grow. Justine is now working for a fantastic global organisation called Pinkerton who are a Detective and Risk Management Agency. She explains more about her role and the organisation and the journey that took her there, via Singapore and Dubai! This is an episode that may mess with your head but it's all about, taking risks, being brave and what if it all works out. Don't forget, you can also visit the website and blog on www.bluelightleavers.com and join the private Facebook Group via www.facebook.com/groups/bluelightleavers If you're not sure what roles you can do after the police, check this out: 'What jobs can I do after the Police?' Scorecard (scoreapp.com) You can listen to the podcast on shift, walking the dog, pottering about, and do it on your phone, desktop, laptop, or tablet, anywhere and whenever suits you, pause and play and they're all completely free! You can now even ask Alexa to 'Play Blue Light Leavers Podcast' and up it pops. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bluelightleavers/message

This episode is a bit different, and some of you may find it a little challenging, and I really want you to please listen to this with an open mind.  I get contacted very regularly by cops who are going through the disciplinary process, or who've been through the process and sanctioned in some way, or in fact, dismissed as a result of a Gross Misconduct finding. I do take it on a case by case basis, but I do actually support a lot of cops who have been through that process, and I've helped them to find new careers, and I know for some of you, that's going to be a bit difficult to swallow.  I want you to listen to this officer's story. I'm not going to give any details, and obviously it's anonymous and we don't talk about any organisations, but I think it'll be really interesting for you. If you're going through the process, or you've been through the process and have absolutely no idea what it is you're going to do next, I just want to give you a bit of hope and belief, that whatever happened at that time doesn't have to define you... that doesn't mean that's it for the rest of your life.  Have a listen to this and please feel free to contact me and feed back any comments or thoughts through andy@bluelightleavers.com Don't forget, you can also visit the website and blog on www.bluelightleavers.com and join the private Facebook Group via www.facebook.com/groups/bluelightleavers If you're not sure what roles you can do after the police, check this out: 'What jobs can I do after the Police?' Scorecard (scoreapp.com) You can listen to the podcast on shift, walking the dog, pottering about, and do it on your phone, desktop, laptop, or tablet, anywhere and whenever suits you, pause and play and they're all completely free! You can now even ask Alexa to 'Play Blue Light Leavers Podcast' and up it pops. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bluelightleavers/message

Building on the last episode with CEO and joint founder Tom Moore of the Tech company, WithYouWithMe, in today's episode, I'm speaking with a former police officer, Samantha Gillison. Samantha is a graduate of the WithYouWithMe programme and has an incredible new role as a result, and her experience of the programme, from skills profiling, through to training, finding employment and onboarding, has been exceptional. Rather than feeling penalised for having a chronic illness and having to leave the job after 7 years, WYWM and her new employers have embraced her differences, and understand the challenges faced by those suffering from chronic illnesses. Samantha started working closely with an organisation called Astriid.org. Astriid are an amazing organisation that help bridge the gap between the Invisible Talent Pool (people with chronic illnesses who wish to pursue volunteering or employment), and the UK skills crisis, and they suggested undertaking training new skills with WithYouWithMe. Samantha has now completed her training and has been offered a really exciting new tech role with Northrop Grumman, who design, develop, build and support some of the world’s most advanced products, from cutting-edge aircraft and next-generation spacecraft to unrivalled cyber security systems and all-seeing radars. Her story is truly inspirational and actually choked me up during the interview. I hope you enjoy! Don't forget, you can also visit the website and blog on www.bluelightleavers.com and join the private Facebook Group via www.facebook.com/groups/bluelightleavers You can listen to the podcast on shift, walking the dog, pottering about, and do it on your phone, desktop, laptop, or tablet, anywhere and whenever suits you, pause and play and they're all completely free! You can now even ask Alexa to 'Play Blue Light Leavers Podcast' and up it pops.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bluelightleavers/message

* FREE TECH CAREER TRAINING AND SKILLS PROFILING FOR BLL MEMBERS AND PODCAST LISTENERS * To celebrate the 50th episode of the Blue Light Leavers podcast which has just gone live, I'm incredibly proud and happy to announce that my guest on the episode, the co-founder of one of the fastest growing Start-Ups and Social Impact Companies in the world, Tom Moore, is offering free tech skills profiling and Accredited Technology training programmes to the Police, Law Enforcement and Emergency Service Professionals in the UK, North America and Australia, through a collaboration with Blue Light Leavers and WithYouWithMe. WithYouWithMe is a social impact company, founded by military veterans, and helps organisations identify and fill gaps in their tech capability by matching them with jobseekers who are trained and ready to grow into their potential and I'm incredibly proud to be working alongside them. 'Discover your skills and the right career pathway for you based on your potential, not your experience.' 'Become new career-ready in under 100 hours through their online training platform.' 'Stand out to WYWM partnered employers with a single application and endless career opportunities.' 'Realise your potential, master your craft and continue learning for the rest of your life.' The courses offered include: Project Management Cyber Security Software Development Automation Data Analytics and more Listen to the episode to find out more and go to www.bluelightleavers.com/withyouwithme Episode links in the comments below. FOR TRANSPARENCY, I'M NOT RECEIVING ANY FINANCIAL INCENTIVE OR BENEFIT WHATSOEVER Don't forget, you can also visit the website and blog on www.bluelightleavers.com and join the private Facebook Group via www.facebook.com/groups/bluelightleavers You can listen to the podcast on shift, walking the dog, pottering about, and do it on your phone, desktop, laptop, or tablet, anywhere and whenever suits you, pause and play and they're all completely free! You can now even ask Alexa to 'Play Blue Light Leavers Podcast' and up it pops. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bluelightleavers/message

It feels so good to be back! New role means I have more time to do the stuff I love, including being back recording amazing podcast interviews to help guide and inspire you to find new careers, outside of the emergency services and prison service. In this episode, I'm talking to a former police officer, Neil Whitbread.  Neil is incredibly honest about the challenges he faced coming to terms with leaving the police and how lost he felt, but he's since gone on to do incredible things, including setting up a recruitment company and he's now am Investigations, Intelligence and Risk Advisory Specialist to the Football Industry across the UK and Europe. Many of you will relate to how Neil felt and this will really help you I promise! Don't forget, you can also visit the website and blog on www.bluelightleavers.com and join the private Facebook Group via www.facebook.com/groups/bluelightleavers You can listen to the podcast on shift, walking the dog, pottering about, and do it on your phone, desktop, laptop, or tablet, anywhere and whenever suits you, pause and play and they're all completely free! You can now even ask Alexa to 'Play Blue Light Leavers Podcast' and up it pops. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bluelightleavers/message

From Policing to Child Exploitation Project Manager with Nikki Holmes  Now some of you may have noticed that the gap between episode 47 and 48 has been a bit longer than usual, and many of you will know I took on a new role at the end of March and it's a massive role and it's taken a lot of getting used to and getting my head round. We also have a business interest outside of that which has needed some time and attention and I wanted to make sure everyone inside the Blue Light Leavers group was in a good place and subsequently the podcast was just one of the things I had to drop for a little while. However, we're back with a bang and I've some amazing guests lined up over the next few weeks and months. My guest today is incredible. The story and the journey that she's been on is so inspiring. Nikki is a freelance consultant and owner of Safer Together, and is currently a Child Exploitation Project Manager with Coventry and Rugby CCG (NHS). In this interview, we talk about her current role and her time in the Police and we discuss her reasons why she wanted a career change and the key skills she identified that she was able to across to her new role. She also spent time with the Care Quality Commission and more recently, she's developed her own consultancy. We talk about the power of networking and using LinkedIn and she also gives some great advice with regards to a training course that she strongly recommends, if you want to follow in her footsteps. She gives so much insight and passes on so much knowledge, I know you'll get loads from this interview.  Don't forget, you can also visit the website and blog on www.bluelightleavers.com and download my free UPDATED guide to LinkedIn for Police Officers!  You can listen to the podcast on shift, walking the dog, pottering about, and do it on your phone, desktop, laptop, or tablet, anywhere and whenever suits you, pause and play and they're all completely free! You can now even ask Alexa to 'Play Blue Light Leavers Podcast' and up it pops. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bluelightleavers/message

Sexism Stops Here! Challenging the System! For anyone that's been through or going through the grievance procedure, an employment tribunal or ill-health retirement, you'll know how arduous a journey it is and the impact it has. Today I'm talking with Rhona Malone.  Rhona is a former officer from Police Scotland and joined the job as a single mum of 3 kids. She had a great career and really enjoyed what she was doing, working with some fantastic people. A little later in her service, she qualified as a firearms officer and joined the firearms team. Now she tells the story far better than I ever could, which you'll pick up from the intro, however suffice to say, she had to retire on ill-health and is taking the force to an employment tribunal which takes place in August 2021. Rhona has been through an incredibly challenging time and this is a really hard hitting interview. I know from experience of supporting 2 officers through the employment tribunal process, that it takes a massive toll on your mental health, takes such a long time and also has a massive impact financially and Rhona has shown such resilience. Rhona's story is truly inspirational and with the support of Blue Light Leavers and key members of the group, and also the Police Firearms Officers Association, Rhona has since gone on to do amazing things, including owning her own business as a Property Personal Assistant. Rhona is now also supporting other female officers who've been subjected to sexual discrimination and victimisation and she gives details in the episode of how to connect. It was 30C when we recorded the episode, so please excuse the birds singing in the background as I recorded outside of the 50C studio!  You can also visit the website and blog on www.bluelightleavers.com and download my free NEW and UPDATED guide to LinkedIn for Police Officers for 2021! You can listen to the podcast on shift, walking the dog, pottering about, and do it on your phone, desktop, laptop, or tablet, anywhere and whenever suits you, pause and play and they're all completely free! You can now even ask Alexa to 'Play Blue Light Leavers Podcast' and up it pops! Don't forget you can also join our Private Facebook group at: www.facebook.com/groups/bluelightleavers If you like what you've heard, please subscribe, hit 5* and leave a review and share with your friends and colleagues and come and join us in our Private Facebook Group. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bluelightleavers/message

From Policing to TV Documentaries In this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of catching up with an old colleague of mine, Ashley Turner. Alongside being a cop, Ash is actually a staggeringly talented professional close up magician. He was mid service, when, for a number of reasons, he decided to take a career break but after a year, got told that he had to come back or resign. Ash returned to the job but realised that it was no longer a good fit and applied for a role with Channel 4 Despatches, not for one moment, thinking he'd be successful. Ash talks us through the selection process, the moment he found out he'd been successful and the incredible programmes he's both produced and featured in since. He also explains why the TV industry could actually be a really good fit for some former cops, if you have certain personal attributes! It was so good catching up with him and you'll get an idea of the quality of this episode from the intro alone. You can also visit the website and blog on www.bluelightleavers.com and download my free NEW and UPDATED guide to LinkedIn for Police Officers for 2021! You can listen to the podcast on shift, walking the dog, pottering about, and do it on your phone, desktop, laptop, or tablet, anywhere and whenever suits you, pause and play and they're all completely free! You can now even ask Alexa to 'Play Blue Light Leavers Podcast' and up it pops! Don't forget you can also join our Private Facebook group at: www.facebook.com/groups/bluelightleavers If you like what you've heard, please subscribe, hit 5* and leave a review and share with your friends and colleagues and come and join us in our Private Facebook --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bluelightleavers/message

In this episode, I had the absolute honour of speaking with Nick Bailey. Nick is a former Wiltshire Police Detective Sergeant who was a victim of the Novichok nerve agent attack in Salisbury in March 2018. During this interview, Nick talks really openly and candidly about what occurred on that day, and the impact that it had on him and his family over the coming weeks and months. We talk about his return to work and the challenges he faced with the ill-health process. We also talk about the press and publicity and the impact that's had on him and his family as a result of what occurred and we actually look back and reflect on what happened and you'll be surprised at the positives that have come out of such an incredible incident. We also talk about what's next for Nick. I promise, this is such a great interview and a real privilege to hear what actually happened on the 4th March 2018. You can also visit the website and blog on www.bluelightleavers.com and download my free NEW and UPDATED guide to LinkedIn for Police Officers for 2021! You can listen to the podcast on shift, walking the dog, pottering about, and do it on your phone, desktop, laptop, or tablet, anywhere and whenever suits you, pause and play and they're all completely free! You can now even ask Alexa to 'Play Blue Light Leavers Podcast' and up it pops! Don't forget you can also join our Private Facebook group at: www.facebook.com/groups/bluelightleavers If you like what you've heard, please subscribe, hit 5* and leave a review and share with your friends and colleagues and come and join us in our Private Facebook --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bluelightleavers/message

Today, I'm talking with Karen Connell. Karen is the founder and CEO of Hunter Protection, she's a globally renowned consultant and advisor, with unrivalled expertise in the Security Sector.  In this episode we talk about her upbringing and her corporate career and we talk about her experiences of having good and bad protection officers and being on the receiving end of good and poor practice and the difference between the two. We talk about how and why she set up Hunter Protection and that as a result of her unique selling proposition, she now has clients such as Shell, Coca Cola, Johnson and Johnson and many more. Alongside this, she also teaches communication and influencing skills to the British Army.  We talk about what she's doing to disrupt a very male dominated industry and the challenges she faces and Karen also talks about the importance of connections and leveraging those relationships and we talk about the opportunities for both sexes in the industry and how it's changing and evolving for the better.  We talk about the right courses and qualifications to take, the stand out skills (which will surprise you!), and how to make your profile and CV unmissable. We also get some insight into the whole selection process.  You can also visit the website and blog on www.bluelightleavers.com and download my free NEW and UPDATED guide to LinkedIn for Police Officers for 2021! You can listen to the podcast on shift, walking the dog, pottering about, and do it on your phone, desktop, laptop, or tablet, anywhere and whenever suits you, pause and play and they're all completely free! You can now even ask Alexa to 'Play Blue Light Leavers Podcast' and up it pops! Don't forget you can join our Private Facebook group at: www.facebook.com/groups/bluelightleavers If you like what you've heard, please subscribe, hit 5* and leave a review and share with your friends and colleagues and come and join us in our Private Facebook Group. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bluelightleavers/message