At HMRC, we’re proud to support colleagues with opportunities that extend beyond their day job. Senior VAT Specialist Emma has a double duty. Not only does she work full time at HMRC, but she’s fulfilled her dream role as a Special Constable for Dorset Police. We caught up with her to learn more about her work and how she feels empowered to give back to her community.
I’ve worked at HMRC for 20 years, mostly as a VAT Caseworker. I found myself on the Taskforce Evasion Team, where I’d carry out checks into businesses, to inspect the cash handling processes and make sure that correct declarations were being made to HMRC.
I’d make unannounced visits to these businesses, often late at night. It was quite intense, but also very exciting and a lot of fun. I’d also make visits by agreement to go to a whole range of business premises and check their VAT records.
From dreams to reality
My mum had worked for Hampshire Constabulary for many years. One time we were about to watch the police dog display at their annual Families Day, and she pointed out some people who were special constables. ‘Specials’ are volunteer police officers, who have all the same powers as regular police officers.
I had always dreamed of working in the police, so I decided to go for it! After a lot of paperwork, fitness training and a lot of persistence, I became a special constable for Dorset Police.
Behind the uniform: balancing family, work and duty
Specials have the same uniform as regular colleagues, so most people cannot spot the difference. Special constables work without pay, covering almost every area of frontline policing. If you think about all the situations that a police officer could go to, that speaks volumes about the strength of character it takes.
The expectation is to do 16 hours of policing per month. In the beginning you usually do more, and you might need to do more hours for the latest training. I’m a lone parent to two daughters, and my youngest daughter has autism and attends a specialist school. In my work on COVID-19 support schemes, I was responsible for advising more than 900 caseworkers. As you can imagine I’m a very busy person, so you might wonder how I fit it all in.
My Employer-Supported Policing journey
Employer-Supported Policing (ESP) is a government-backed scheme, which allows employees to take paid time off to carry out policing duties. At HMRC it’s a generous 12 days a year, so I try to use one day a month, either for a shift or training. I work part-time, so I’ll often be policing on my day off.
I’ve been to so many jobs since I’ve been a Special. It gives a real insight in to people’s lives, and makes me very appreciative of how lucky I am. It’s tested my determination, resilience and patience, but gives a huge sense of satisfaction to make a difference to people.
I’ll never forget the night I was searching in woods, covered in mud, under the light of the police helicopter. I realised how cool that was, and that I had actually made it! Or the night where just me and another female officer were first to the scene of a pub fight spilling out into the street, pretty testing stuff!
In early 2023, I passed the interviews for special inspector, so I now sit on the leadership team. I look after some of the social media, and I manage a team of special sergeants and constables. I help direct the vision of our special constabulary and make sure our people are supported.
Empowered by service
I have no doubt that becoming a special constable was a life-changing decision for me. I’ve grown in confidence, made friends, laughed a lot and added so many skills to the list of things I can do. Back in the day job, I’ve recently been promoted to Senior VAT Specialist. This is the natural progression of my career and uses my skills in advising and supporting others. The experience I’ve gained across my two roles have hugely improved my abilities and confidence.
I wanted to write this piece to raise awareness of the flexibility HMRC offer, which can help people achieve the best of both worlds. If you’re thinking about joining HMRC or being a special constable, then I would highly recommend it.
Perhaps I’ll see you in an HMRC office one day, or whizzing by with blue lights on in a police car…
Discover your potential
To discover more about Employer-Supported Policing, visit the College of Policing website. You can apply to join through your local police force.
For more information on the work that Special Constables are doing at Dorset Police, visit DorsetSpecials on Instagram.
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