New chapter begins for WMP Benevolent Fund

A new and exciting chapter is about to unfold for the Benevolent Fund as staff, committee members and Fund Directors welcome Steve Newbury to the team.

Steve will be taking over as new committee secretary and general manager this month as the Fund bids a fond and final farewell to its current secretary Roz Payne.

Steve Newbury, new Benevolent Fund Committee Secretary & General Manager

Roz, who has worked tirelessly for the Fund, for the past 13 years, has finally decided to step down from her duties and enjoy her retirement. Formal recognition of Roz’s contribution to the Benevolent Fund will be given at our AGM on 29 June by ACC Gary Cann.

Although Roz will be a tough act to follow, Steve’s enthusiasm is infectious and we know he will be the perfect successor to Roz.

“Roz has done an amazing job of transforming the Police Benevolent Fund in recent years, along with the help and tireless efforts of rest of the team at Guardians House”, explains Steve.

“They have been able to offer some life changing help, with the backing of the Management Team, Directors and our Chairman.

“It’s my job, going forwards, to reach out to more serving West Midlands Police officers and staff and encourage them to join this fantastic fund.

“With so many member benefits – for such a minimal cost, it’s the natural choice for WMP colleagues to opt in to during their police service. I’ve already come to appreciate the Fund’s important work in providing welfare support, not only during a member’s service but well into their retirement too.

Steve is already familiar with the work of the Benevolent Fund. He joined West Midlands Police in the 1989 and during his policing career he made time to support the Fund’s work by becoming one of its committee members.

Steve is married to retired officer, Chris who he met during their police training at Ryton almost 30 years ago. They have two grown up children, Daniel, 25 years and Grace, 21.

Both serving and retired members may remember Steve when he worked at Bloxwich and Brierley Hill police stations before returning to the old ‘H2’.  He later became a custody sergeant and spent time with Force traffic as a Senior Investigating Officer before joining the Regional Collision Investigation Team with CMPG for the last few years of his police service.

Since retiring from the Force Steve has worked within the Insurance Investigation industry and more recently with a Local Educational Welfare Team.

“I look forward to the challenge of continuing where Roz has left off in promoting the Fund as a vital and intrinsic part of the West Midlands Police Family”, Steve added.