Public Servant Lifestyle

Part-time probationer and mother-of-two - Helen Boston - is setting new standards in work-life balance by working limited Monday to Friday shifts. This shift arrangement has been designed to allow her to cope with her job and balance her family commitments.

For 35-year-old Helen being a PC is a dream come true. For Cleveland Police it is simply another step in changing the culture of the organisation to ensure top quality recruits are not lost. Force equal opportunities and diversity officer, Inspector Clive Pengilley, said: "Helen's appointment is the first of its kind in the country and is part of our ongoing drive for a viable work-life balance. We are willing to change and we can see it is paying dividends."

Helen, who is married to a serving officer with Cleveland Police, said: "Joining the force is something I have thought about for a while. When I was younger it had to be shelved because I am short-sighted."

Part-Time

Marriage, children and a career as a PA took over her life but she was always envious of the enthusiasm her husband Andrew, a dog handler, has shown for the job. She decided to apply to join the Force in 2000 but became concerned because of family commitments. Daughter Amy, aged 12, shares her mother's love of horses and is active in the pony club and son Daniel, 10 plays a lot of football. "Andrew has only one free weekend a month and I thought I can't possibly work weekends because the children would be stuck," she said.

Helen was prepared to withdraw her application but when she rang the Force to explain was told to put her reasons in writing and they would try to accommodate them. "Basically I heard I could go ahead," she added.

"I pursued my application, started in May at the Training School, which was full time and by no means easy. I was with a tutor for 10 weeks, and am now about to become 'independent.' It's been great. I have really enjoyed myself and the children are really proud. Although I am not old by any stage it has still been a big challenge. Joining the police was totally new and it was just what I needed."

More information available in Work Life Balance