Joanne Thomas - Vulnerability Investigator

“ I am a Youth Engagement Officer (YEO) within Swale and I have been doing this role since September 2019. My previous roles include being a PCSO covering Sheppey and my last role prior to becoming a YEO was as an investigator within the Child Vulnerability team at Swale. I enjoyed being an Investigator but due to personal circumstances, a change of role was required.’

I have been a member of Unison since I started working for Kent Police in 2014 and previously when I worked for KCC. I decided to become a steward at the end of 2017 due to New Horizon and having to go to through the process of applying for my original job role.

Many years ago I was a police officer, which I thoroughly enjoyed and did not want to leave. Unfortunately, after serving ten and a half years, part time work did not exist and I had to leave. I would like to think that this would not happen in today’s policing family workplace.

I feel that it is important that if something is going to be different or goes wrong within your workplace, you are not alone. There is support even if a listening ear is all that is required. I am firm believer in treating and being treated fairly and I truly believe a ‘ problem shared is a problem halved’. By being a steward I hope to help ‘half’ any members worries”.