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Who We Are

Meet the team

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

I retired in early 2020 but I wanted to be part of the Benevolent Fund because as serving officers we spend our daily lives helping the general public and I know that there are many occasions where our police colleagues need to be cared for too. We are only human after all and there are times when we need support both financially and mentally.I am privileged to be a trustee of this worthwhile charity that genuinely cares for its members both serving, retired and police staff.

Meet the Trustees

We are 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.

Simon Westwood, Trustee

I am also a retired West Midlands Police inspector. I have been actively involved with the Ben Fund as a director and now as a trustee for over 20 years. I am committed to my role as a charity trustee for the same reason I joined the job – helping people. People should join our police charity because it’s there to provide an essential helping hand when you need it most. The Ben Fund really has “got your back”.

Gill Baker OBE, Trustee

I’ve been a member of the Benevolent Fund since I joined the West Midlands Police in 1977. During my service I was a Federation Rep and a previous Chair of the Benevolent Fund before taking up the role as one of the Directors of the Fund and now subsequently one of the charity’s trustees. During my service I worked in the Public Protection Unit and was awarded an OBE, shortly after my retirement, in recognition for my work relating to abuse cases and the management of sexual/violent offenders. The very nature of police work, particularly in respect of offences against vulnerable people, is stressful hence support to our serving and retired members is essential when they are in need of help. I feel very privileged to be a trustee of our most worthwhile charity.

Richard Youds, Trustee

I am proud to be a trustee of the Benevolent Fund. Police officers and staff face significant challenges in modern-day policing and so the time and commitment I devote to the Ben Fund as a trustee enables me to give a little bit back to all those who work so hard in our force. Recently retired from West Midlands Police, I’m honoured to contribute to the important work West Midlands Police Benevolent Fund carries out year on year to help our police colleagues.

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. We are delighted to have him on our board of Trustees.

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), Tony Crisp (Coventry NARPO) , Kay Bargewell, Winston Christie (Black & Asian Police Association – BAPA).

Darren Neville (Police Federation), Sam Staite (Police Federation), Patrick Mcbrearty (Police Federation).

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

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