Police chief takes on new role for charity
Staffordshire Police Chief Constable Chris Noble has taken on the role of chairperson for a charity that supports the loved ones of officers and staff lost in service.
Care of Police Survivors (COPS) is a UK charity based in the force area, with policing colleagues and members of the public locally, nationally and internationally raising funds for its vital work.
Since its foundation in 2003, it has helped hundreds of grieving families navigate loss and rebuild their lives through events that encourage peer support and by providing access to counselling and specialist bereavement services and much more.
Mr Noble, who has been on the charity’s board of trustees as a volunteer since 2022, said: “As chair I am looking forward to helping the charity in its mission to provide full and lasting support to the families and partners of those colleagues who lose their lives on duty.
“In my early years of policing, I saw the impact that losing a loved one has on a family and the loss and isolation this can cause. We never want to lose a member of our policing family, but when we do it is only right that those most directly affected get the support they need.”
His role will last for a minimum of three years and remains a voluntary position.
COPS chief executive officer, Lisa Meads, said: “We are delighted to welcome Chris as our new chair. His commitment and compassionate understanding of the impact of loss within the police family make him an ideal person to lead our board.
“Chris has already shown great dedication as a trustee, and I very much look forward to working alongside him, as we continue to ensure survivors remain at the heart of all we do – and that the support we provide is consistent, compassionate and responsive to their needs.”