Thursday 15th September 2011 - Published by Kelly Jackson - Communications Executive
Blue Knight for the Blue Light Brigade
Police officers are always there when they’re needed – and now a new service is on hand, to help them in their own hour of need.
Blueknight Learning has launched The Coppers’ Coach, to lend a helping hand to police personnel who have left the force. A growing demand for the service emerged following an increase in retirements and forced redundancies in the police service, due to the tough economic climate.
Managing Director, Stephen Collier, a retired officer himself, set up The Coppers Coach with Richard Jenkins, who is also a retired policeman and qualified psychologist, to offer support to former officers re-entering the job market or setting up their own business.
The two retired officers realised there was a call for the service following conversations with former colleagues. One police officer, who retired after 30 years in the service, said he was 'disheartened by police forces discarding experience to save money.’
Police personnel had the option to exceed their 30 years service and work until 55. This opportunity has now been scraped. Many of those who retire leave before they reach 50 – well below the traditional retirement age.
Stephen Collier, said: “No longer do they have the option of staying on in the force or returning to fulfill a post as police staff. They now have to take their pension and go."
The Coppers’ Coach also offers guidance on starting a business and ongoing business mentoring, as well as a CV advisory service, interview techniques and other tips for building a business or securing employment.
Mr Jenkins added: “They will receive important and effective support as they seek new employment or set out on their own business ventures. Life does not stop when you leave or retire from police service - we are evidence of that! We look forward to passing on our knowledge and experience to help others find success in the next phase of their working life."
One-to-one sessions are available and tailored for the individual’s requirements. For further information, contact steve@copperscoach.co.uk or richard@3nines.co.uk.
New service - The Coppers Coach - a pr2go story
