International Women's Day 2025: #AccelerateAction

We are proud to be celebrating International Women’s Day. This year, the theme is #AccelerateAction, which encourages us all to join together to work towards achieving gender equality.

As part of International Women’s Day, we asked Temporary Chief Inspector Nicola Hill; Natasha Faers, Positive Action and Engagement Officer; Emma Neary- Hoult, Course Developer and Talent Lead; and Molly Parker, Business Admin Apprentice, questions about their background, their experiences and what advice they would give. 

Nicola Hill

Can you tell us a bit about you, your background, and your career so far?

I have been in Lincs police for nearly 25 years and have had a variety of roles throughout that time. These include, Response, dogs, Firearms, firearms instructing, PSD, Executive, POLIT&MOSOVO and I am now a Cadre Tactical Firearms Instructor in the FCR.

If you could write a letter to yourself when you were younger, what would you say and would you give your younger self any advice about navigating the world as a woman?

I would say be kinder to yourself! We can be our own worst enemy; we would never speak to a friend the way we sometimes speak to ourselves. Be unapologetically you, never feel you have to make yourself smaller to fit in. ‘Don’t let someone dim your light just because its shining in their eyes.’

What advice would you give to women who are interested in joining a police force (in any capacity, staff or officer)?

Go for it! This career (in whichever capacity) is so rewarding, and you can make a real difference to people’s lives.  Women have excellent problem-solving skills and are brilliant at multitasking, so we excel in the world of policing!

Natasha Faers

Can you tell us a bit about you, your background and your career so far:

I’m Natasha Faers, I’m a wife, a mum of two teenage boys and a dog owner. On completing my A-levels, I decided to take a year out before uni to earn some money. I joined TSB which became part of Lloyds Banking Group, which later went back to TSB, but I remained with Lloyds. Needless to say, I didn’t go to uni! I had the most amazing 25 years at Lloyds, where I had a very squiggle career, but I loved every second of it. However, the roles I enjoyed the most were the People centric positions. Over the years I developed a strong foundation in HR, communications and business partnering. My favourite role was my last role where I worked in Early Careers and Talent Management. My experience spans managing talent pipelines, corporate restructuring, and driving diversity and inclusion initiatives. I am currently the EDI Positive Action & Engagement Officer where I champion inclusion and diversity. Throughout my career, I have thrived in fast-paced environments, excelled in stakeholder management, and demonstrated proficiency in strategic communication and talent development.

If you could write a letter to yourself when you were younger, what would you say and would you give your younger self any advice about navigating the world as a woman?

Work hard! Even when it’s hard, don’t give it up as this is where you will succeed and become the best version of yourself. Remember that your dedication, resilience, and passion will be your greatest assets. Embrace every opportunity to learn and grow and never be afraid to take risks or ask that stupid question. The path ahead will be filled with challenges, but each one will shape you into a stronger and more confident individual.

Navigating the world as a woman can be daunting at times but always remember your worth. Advocate for yourself, and don't shy away from speaking up for what you believe in. Surround yourself with supportive mentors and allies who will champion your success. Be kind to yourself and prioritise your well-being. Success isn't just about professional achievements; it's also about finding balance and joy in every aspect of your life.

Lastly, always stay true to your values and principles. Integrity and authenticity will guide you through even the toughest times. Keep striving for excellence and never lose sight of your passion for making a difference in the lives of others.

What advice would you give to women who are interested in joining a police force (in any capacity, staff or officer)?

Believe in Yourself: Confidence is key. Believe in your abilities and know that you have the skills and determination to succeed in any role within the police force.

Research: Make sure you understand what you are applying for, what you will be doing and understand how the values of the force align with your own values to ensure the force is a good fit for you.

Emma Neary-Hoult

My name is Emma Neary-Hoult, and I work within the Leadership Development team in L&D as a Course Developer and Talent Lead. I also coordinate the Coaching and Mentoring programme across the force. I joined Lincolnshire Police in February 2024 after a 20-year career in teaching, but this wasn't my first career change.

After leaving school, I trained to be a Registered Nurse and had the opportunity to work in various clinical settings in hospitals and the community across the West Midlands. During this time, I earned a BA from Warwick University and achieved my PGCE in 2001.

Reflecting on my career journey, it may seem logical and well-planned, but much of it resulted from serendipitous moments—meeting inspirational people or following my passions and interests, which opened new avenues. There were many challenges and missteps along the way, and at times my progress seemed to stall. However, I learned that to keep moving forward, you have to be bold and take risks.

My advice to other women is to surround yourself with those who will support and uplift you. As a woman, you'll face unique obstacles, especially when balancing work and family life, but don't let these deter you. Keep moving towards your goals.

I encourage women to join the police force. There are many interesting roles and opportunities within different areas for frontline officers and supporting staff, all contributing to the organisation's success. Building support networks among other women and male allies in leadership positions can advocate for gender equality and support women's career growth can only benefit us all.

Molly Parker

Can you tell us a bit about you, your background and your career so far?

I’m Molly and I’m currently a business admin apprentice at Lincs Police! I completed A-Levels last summer in business, media and photography and then decided against university because I wasn’t sure what course I wanted to do. I thought this apprenticeship would be a useful alternative route. I started in the Comms department which I found really valuable, and I learnt so much. I’m now in the Prevention Hub and it’s really interesting to see a completely different side of the organisation.

If you could write a letter to yourself when you were younger, what would you say and would you give your younger self any advice about navigating the world as a woman?

I would say not to worry about the small things, and everything will work out. Try to be more confident in your decisions even if you’re unsure, you never know what might happen or what you might learn from it.

What advice would you give to women who are interested in joining a police force (in any capacity, staff or officer)?

I would say that the Force is generally a really welcoming place to work – so don’t worry! Everyone is happy to help if you ask for it.