Two women who play a crucial role in the safety of communities in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough have shared their stories.
To celebrate International Women’s Day last week, Helen Slater and Catherine Kimberley have spoken of the various ways they support Police and Crime Commissioner, Darryl Preston, to tackle crime in the region.
Helen’s story
As the commissioner’s most recent recruit, Helen Slater joined the team in September 2023.
One of six policy officers, Helen contributes to the delivery and development of the commissioner’s police and crime plan and statutory responsibilities enabling her to make a difference in key policy areas such as business crime, fraud, and cybercrime.
A history and politics graduate from Leicester University, Helen’s first job was as a recruitment consultant on Oxford Street.
Her interest in law enforcement then led her to a position at the National Policing Improvement Agency, (now known as College of Policing), where she stayed for more than eight years.
Throughout that time, Helen held several positions including supporting the development of authorised professional practice, the official source of professional policing practice.
After becoming a mother in 2016, Helen started a part-time role as an intelligence officer at Cambridgeshire Constabulary while she raised her young family.
Today, Helen continues to thrive in her role as a policy officer and looks forward to working hard to keep our county a safe place to live.
Helen said: “I feel empowered by the strong female role models within the office and love being surrounded by so many smart and accomplished women.
“I’m lucky to work in an inclusive office where we are offered flexible and hybrid working arrangements so I can balance my work and caring responsibilities whilst progressing my career.”
Catherine’s story
Catherine Kimberley joined the commissioner’s office in 2015 to support delivery of the Commissioner’s engagement and communications activities.
Now heading up the strategic delivery of this area of business on behalf of the commissioner and his team, Catherine delivers external and internal communications and engagement, helping to build trust and confidence in local communities in their policing service.
A former English literature and Spanish graduate from Anglia Ruskin University, Catherine grew up in County Durham.
After an early career in marketing and public relations, Catherine worked for the Central Office of Information - the government’s regional communication office - for 12 years where she delivered regional and national campaigns on behalf of a range of government departments from the Home Office to the Health and Safety Executive.
As carer to her son Jack, now 23, who is disabled with quadriplegic cerebral palsy and complex epilepsy, Catherine balances her job alongside advocating on Jack’s behalf to help him lead a fulfilling life.
Catherine said: “A good work-life balance is essential for me to be able to support and care for my son, as well as raising my other son, Dylan.
“Working in such a professional and supportive team enables me to continue to use my skills and contribute to improving people’s lives. I feel very lucky to work alongside such a fantastic team.”
The Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough (OPCC) is a small, dedicated team of experienced staff, whose role it is to support the Police & Crime Commissioner in delivering their policy priorities.
The commissioner’s office currently employs 16-25 members of staff (full time equivalent).
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