At the end of May, representatives from ASPS – including President Rob Hay, Vice President Suzanne Smith, General Secretary Stewart Carle and Research Officer Claire Boyd – joined colleagues from across UK and Ireland at The Annual Joint Meeting of Executives.
This meeting – which includes colleagues from the Superintendents’ Association of England and Wales and the Superintendents’ Association of Northern Ireland – gives ASPS the opportunity to come together with colleagues and to hear the key issues impacting on members.
Suzanne said: “The theme of this year’s event was ‘courageous leadership’ and we heard from speakers who each gave unique insights into this topic. Very quickly it became apparent that despite our geographical borders, the challenges being faced by Superintendents was very similar, regardless of policing postcode.
“Policing today is difficult, complex and nuanced with transformation requiring us to make difficult decisions in difficult spaces. PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher spoke candidly about the significant pressures facing the service, particularly around legacy investigations — challenges that are not only financial but also deeply rooted in the need to rebuild trust with victims and communities who have endured long-standing trauma.
“He also highlighted the ongoing recruitment difficulties and the stark reality of delivering frontline policing with fewer officers, yet under growing and constantly evolving demands — a paradox all too familiar to our members.
“Sir Hugh Orde, former ACPO President and PSNI Chief Constable, echoed Mr Boucher’s concerns, stating that we are ‘operating in a world with no money’ and warned of the risks of eroding leadership resilience, ‘If you strip out resilience until it becomes critical then there is no people to lead people…’”
Dr Claire Park MBE, Consultant in Pre-Hospital Emergency Medicine for London HEMS and a seasoned army consultant, delivered a powerful session on decision-making under extreme pressure. She reminded us that while we don’t seek applause, police officers are the ones who run towards danger and save lives. Justice Minister Naomi Long echoed this sentiment, taking time to “recognise the significant difference you make — even if it is without applause.”
Suzanne concluded: “Our recent member survey has explicitly captured the pressures and demands being faced by members, but it has also revealed unwavering commitment, resilience, and dedication to policing.
“These are the qualities that define our members, and they must be recognised and supported. As we move forward, continued collaboration with our staff association partners both in Police Scotland and across the UK remains essential. Together, we will continue to push for meaningful change and positive progress in policing.”
