Press release – Police Digital Service appoints Director of People Services
Kath Stephenson has been appointed Director of People Services at Police Digital Service (PDS), the organisation responsible for enabling UK policing to safely harness technology to improve public safety.
Formerly Head of People & Culture at HF Holidays in Cumbria, Kath joined PDS in September 2022 as Head of HR, and has played an integral role in developing the culture for a remote-based work force.
Ian Bell, CEO at PDS said: “Our business is evolving and growing as we help to deliver the capabilities to create a more digitally enhanced police service. Being a key member of the senior leadership team is a role I know Kath will relish and thrive in making a difference for our colleagues. Our people are the essential component in all that we do, and Kath and her team have helped to embed our core values amongst our colleagues, so we can support police forces and partners across the UK with greater impact and efficiency.”
During the past year PDS has implemented its Mental Health First Aider Scheme and enhanced parental leave. It has also introduced the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Network to ensure it is meeting the needs of all its employees and actively working to create an inclusive culture that values diversity. PDS was also – highly commended in the Best Place in Digital to work at the Technology Leaders Awards in 2023.
Kath Stephenson said: “I am proud to accept this role as we have come a long way as an organisation in a short space of time. There is a genuine desire within PDS to empower its people through its five core values. We value people; we do the right thing; we are innovative, we are passionate and proud and, most importantly, we are one team. We have made great progress, but our focus is on making us an even greater place to work.”
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About the Police Digital Service (PDS):
The Police Digital Service (PDS) is the UK organisation responsible for coordinating, developing, delivering, and managing digital services and solutions that enable UK policing to safely harness technology to improve public safety. Funded by policing and the Home Office, PDS works with law enforcement organisations, private industry, charities, public bodies, and government to deliver digital services and solutions with policing, for policing.
Contacts details:
Media enquiries: media@pds.police.uk
