I was part of the so-called "Great Resignation" during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. If you’d asked me five years ago about my career aspirations, I would have confidently said, “Executive Headteacher of a Multi-Academy Trust.” By 2020, I had already started paving my way toward that goal.
In 2014, I graduated from university with a First in Education Design and Technology, and worked my way up from a Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) to Head of Department. I also took on the role of Senior Leader in Equality and Diversity. Then, COVID-19 hit, and we went into lockdown. Within a weekend, teachers across the UK had to adapt to online learning. We were under immense pressure, balancing our own personal lives, health, and wellbeing while teaching remotely with new technology and supporting students who were also navigating the situation. I worked hard to replicate the quality of in-class learning online while leading a team.
As we eventually returned to the physical classroom, I found that my priorities had changed. Life felt more fragile, and I started reflecting on why I was striving so hard in my career and what I had potentially missed along the way. My eldest daughter had spent most of her early years in nursery from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and even when she started school, those hours didn’t change. Her childminder saw more of her than I did. Sundays were filled with planning and marking, leaving little time for family. I knew it was time for a change—a chance to have a life outside of work. I didn’t know what I wanted to do, but I knew I needed to leave education.
When I saw a job advert for the British Transport Police (BTP) as an Inclusion and Diversity Business Partner, I must admit, I didn’t know much about BTP. But the role interested me, and I decided to give it a shot. The pay was slightly lower than my current salary as I held a senior position, so I reviewed my finances and weighed up the benefits of the role compared to my existing salary. It was manageable, and the promise of a better work-life balance mattered more. The flexibility of blended working and the freedom to manage my calendar appealed to me. With this flexibility, I was able to reduce childcare costs and save on commuting expenses, which offset the initial salary reduction. I felt like I was on to a winner, though I was nervous about applying. Having never worked outside education, I worried that my application might be overlooked as “just a teacher.”
To my delight, I was successful in the interview and was offered the role, which I’ve now held for the past two years. I’ve been able to use my teaching experience and skills in this role and learned new ones along the way. I also completed a Level 7 apprenticeship, achieving a Distinction and becoming a qualified Senior People Professional. BTP fully supported this development, which has been incredibly valuable for my role and future career plans. Although I no longer aspire to be an Executive Headteacher, I still have that drive for promotion and career development. I’m more open to various options, and BTP offers a range of pathways to support this, from talent pool development and mentoring to apprenticeships and secondments.
I love the diversity of my role and the variety of people and business areas I get to engage with. It’s sometimes challenging to understand all the roles people hold since they differ significantly from those in education, but it’s fascinating to learn what everyone does and how I can collaborate with them to drive inclusive outcomes for the force. I’ve had the chance to support and consult with so many people who value my contributions and the support they receive. I’ve even had opportunities to observe frontline activities, which has helped me understand the daily work of our officers.
For anyone considering a career change without prior experience in policing, my advice is to reflect on your current skills and emphasize their transferability. I didn’t feel I met 100% of the criteria for the Inclusion and Diversity Business Partner role, but I applied anyway and demonstrated the competencies through my transferable skills. It was a chance for me to showcase the strengths, experiences, and fresh perspectives I could bring to the team. Often, we’re anxious about change, focusing on what might go wrong rather than what could go right. So, to anyone reading this, don’t limit yourself or your potential—take that step forward!
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