Author: Ruby Edwards, You Do Better Ltd – In celebration of International Women’s Day 2025, West Mercia Police, Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service and West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) speak out about why they celebrate International Women’s Day and embrace the theme of ‘Accelerate Action’.
CAPTION: L-R: DCI Liz Warner of West Mercia Police, Watch Commander Sophie Potter of Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service and Assistant Chief Ambulance Officer Michelle Brotherton of West Midlands Ambulance Service speak out about why they celebrate International Women’s Day and embrace the theme of ‘Accelerate Action’.
In celebration of International Women’s Day 2025, West Mercia Police, Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service and West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) are teaming up to host an inspiring event aimed at accelerating action and promoting inclusion within their emergency services across Worcestershire.
The event will take place on 6th March and will be co-hosted by West Mercia Police’s women’s staff network, WoW (Women of West Mercia), alongside colleagues from WMAS and Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service.
Speaking about the event, host DCI Liz Warner of West Mercia Police said, “We recognise, in policing, that we have the power and platform to make a difference. This event is about ensuring that our colleagues in the emergency services are supported, valued, and empowered to be their very best, and that we continue to be a reflective and inclusive workforce.”
Watch Commander Sophie Potter, Vice Chair of Women@HWfire and one of the founding members of the network, has worked in HWFRS for 19 years. Sophie has seen many positive changes but states; “that’s not to say there isn’t more that can be done – the journey continues.”
She reflects on the significance of the event and the theme for International Women’s Day 2025:
Assistant Chief Ambulance Officer Michelle Brotherton, Non-Emergency Services Operations Delivery, Improvement Director at WMAS and Executive sponsor of the WMAS Women’s Network, will be in attendance on the 6th as well as delivering a presentation on her career journey, sharing her experiences and insights into leadership within the emergency services at a separate event with West Midlands Ambulance Service on 7th March 2025.
Michelle commented, “I’m excited to be part of such a meaningful event that not only celebrates women’s achievements but also encourages proactive steps toward creating an inclusive and supportive working environment. My journey, over the last 30 years, in emergency services has been deeply shaped by mentorship and collaboration, and I look forward to inspiring others to lead in their own unique ways.”
The celebration – and call to action – that is International Women’s Day, supports ongoing discussions like these which are critical in addressing the continued challenges faced by women and girls in society.
For more information about International Women’s Day, and the Accelerate Action theme for 2025, can be found on the International Women’s Day website.
The full article can be read online at www.youdobetter.co.uk.