Who We Are
Our Charity’s Patron
Craig Guildford QPM VR DL, Chief Constable of West Midlands Police
“I am delighted to become the new patron for West Midlands Police Benevolent Fund. As patron for the charity I look forward to helping the Benevolent Fund continue its vital work.
The charity has been supporting serving and retired officers and police staff since following the formation of West Midlands Police in 1974.
“I feel this is so important, so I look forward to helping the Benevolent Fund continue its vital work in my patronage role for the charity.”
Chief Constable Craig Guildford, QPM VR DL
John Williams, Our Chairman
I’ve been a police officer for almost 22 years having previously served with the Welsh Guards and realised the important work of their welfare fund. I joined West Midlands Police Benevolent Fund in 2007. I really understand how much the fund can help members in their hour of need. I’ve referred many cases over the years and have seen the difference it can make to people’s lives. Joining the Benevolent Fund is so vital because you never know what might happen to you and your family in the future. I’m very proud of my involvement with such an important charity and very honoured to be its Chairman.
Nick Simpson, Our Vice Chairman
Meet the Trustees
We’re a team of six trustees – all serving or former police officers – who run the Benevolent Fund Charity and are committed to supporting the whole West Midlands Police Family.
Sue Cleeton, Trustee
Sue takes her involvement with the Benevolent Fund very seriously as both a Trustee and as an Operations Committee Member. Her past career in policing, as well as her current involvement with the Dudley Branch of NARPO West Midlands, means Sue is pivotal to the Fund’s charity work. Sue is also a terrific help at our family events each year, chatting to members and their families and assisting with the organisation on the day.
Steve Groves, Trustee
Steve is committed to supporting our members. With years of experience in policing, as well as his current role as Secretary for the Walsall Branch of NARPO West Midlands, Steve understands the importance of providing direction and support to members requiring assistance.
Patrick Wing MBE, Trustee
Patrick brings with him a wealth of experience in policing and represents Birmingham NARPO members.
Our Operations Committee
Our Operations Committee is made up of a broader range of members – both serving officers and police staff.
The other members are Brian Tew (Wolverhampton NARPO), Joe Tildesley (Birmingham NARPO), Darren Neville (Police Federation), Sam Staite (Police Federation), Tony Crisp (Coventry NARPO) , Kay Bargewell (Women in Policing), Michael Braycotton (Disability Advocate), Winston Christie (Black & Asian Police Association – BAPA), Rob Pedley, (Retired officer and Disability Advocate), Neil Kyte-Jones, (LGBTQ+ Association) and Khadija Sulaiman, WMP Multi Faith Lead Chaplain.
Our Benevolent Fund Team
Behind the scenes we have Steve Newbury, Committee Secretary and General Manager, Deb Ferris, our Finance Manager who looks after the finances for the charity. Della Poolton is our Admin and Finance Officer who plays an integral part in the day-to-day running of the Fund and Nicki Biddlestone, the charity’s Communications and Marketing Manager.
… and not forgetting miniature Schnauzer, Beattie,
Our Stress Relief Officer