Les Worthington - Education/Welfare/H&S

I joined the Metropolitan Police in 1970 as a Civilian (As we were called then) undertaking the role of a Design Draftsman, which was drawing plans for Road Traffic Incidents to present at Court. After approximately six months, I then enrolled as a Police Cadet student at the Police Cadet School at Hendon, where I served for 13 months. I then enrolled as a constable, and after doing initial training I was posted to North London, where I did a stint at Albany Street Police Station, which covered Euston Railway Station. There I got to know about the British Transport Police and I was seconded there to help with the arrangements for a multi force recruitment drive. During my secondment I was given the opportunity to join BTP and expand my skills. I undertook a variety of roles with BTP and remained there until I retired in 1998.

I then joined Kent Police, and was a Front Counter Assistant (Public Enquiry Officer where I also covered as the Warrants Officer for Swale. I did this for a term of three years and was then transferred to Sittingbourne, as a Warrants officer, dealing with all aspects of Warrants and Courts and served there for 8 years. I was then attached to the ACIMU (Area Crime Investigation Management Unit) until it closed and then transferred to the IMU at FHQ.

I first became interested in the Role of a Unison Steward around the year 2000, when I was asked if I wish to become a steward. I really had no idea of what was expected from a steward as I has previously dealt with the Police Federation. After attending my first Stewards Course, and realising the potential with regard to Employment law, I was hooked. I have received training on workplace issues and the representation that is required of unison representatives, this has enabled me to deal with a number of issues and represent our members at disciplinary and capability hearings.

Unison have not only given me a purpose but have also trained me in Employment Law and Equalities, which I believe has helped me to develop into a fighter for equality and fairness within our origination of Kent Police. In 2017 I was seconded to the Unison Office and still loving every minute of it. Together with my experiences and training, I believe this has made me into the person I am today.