Staffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner spoke to a group of aspiring, young professionals at the Mitchell Arts Centre in Hanley yesterday (Feb 11).
Matthew Ellis attended futurefinest’s ‘Meet the Leader’ event to talk about his personal and professional background as well as his current role as PCC.
Launched in 2007, as part of the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, futurefinest is a networking, career development and social forum representing younger professionals across North Staffordshire.
Mr Ellis spoke for ten minutes, followed by fellow guest speaker Diane Dunion, of Dunion & Co Insolvency Practitioners. The group then split in two, allowing the members to chat with the PCC.
Mr Ellis, who started as PCC in November 2012, said: “It’s events like these that put my job into perspective. I’ve learnt such a lot in this role and we’ve achieved so much. It’s great to share that story with others.
“It’s all part of getting out and about and talking to as many people as possible about what we’re trying to do to get value for money policing, more police visibility and joined-up services.”
The event was one of many throughout the year that brings together young professionals to network, socialise and learn.
Jane Gratton, Deputy Chief Executive at the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, said: “Matthew helped to engage our young professionals in the crime agenda and, at the same time, gave them an insight into leadership in a high profile organisation.
“Our aim is always to raise aspirations, provide useful experience, and develop North Staffordshire’s future business leaders.”
Member Joanne Hamilton, 33, of Barringtons Chartered Accountants said: “As an accountant, I tend not to be interested in current affairs and I didn’t really know what the PCC’s role involved.
“But by talking to Matthew, it’s given me a good insight into what’s going on in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. The fact there are things going on behind the scenes has really opened my eyes and it seems like there’s a lot of improvement.”
For more information on futurefinest call 01782 202222.
