Rob Gilligan

Background

About Rob Gilligan

I wanted to be a drummer; Unfortunately a possible lack of talent and a definite lack of luck led to me needing a real job.(Sorry drummers!) And so began a fantastic career within the British Police Service. It turns out that growing up in Stoke on Trent is an ideal grounding! Resilience, a strong work ethic and desire for self-improvement were a given and I like to think I made quite a decent a copper. I have several medals and the wall of the downstairs’ loo is full of commendation certificates. As I near the end of my service I can reflect and say that I have achieved far more than I ever dreamed possible. I was promoted to sergeant within a few years and qualified as an inspector a short time thereafter. Anyone who really knows policing will tell you that sergeant is the best and most influential rank in the police service so I chose to specialise, rather than chase promotion, as a roads policing officer or traffic cop if you prefer. A fantastic, often misunderstood, area of policing with an opportunity to make a real difference. For the majority of the public, we are more likely to become involved in an incident on the roads than to become a victim of crime. From providing motorcycle escort for visiting dignitaries and royalty, to investigating fatal road traffic collisions I have experienced it all both good and bad. Time serving as a Senior Investigating Officer for Road Death and Serious Injury led to concerns around officers’ repeated exposure to trauma. It is thought that 1 in 5 British cops may have undiagnosed PTSD! This led to my qualifying as a Trauma Risk Manager. Truly ‘The Job’ is an occupation like no other and has shaped the person I am today. Languishing in a comfort zone was never an option! I am an experienced leader, recipient of numerous commendations including outstanding leadership, dedication and commitment to the development of team members, delivery of outstanding service to communities and winner of the Staffordshire Police Equality and Diversity award 2021. I am passionate about risk management and reduction, trauma resilience, road safety and partnership working. As I enter my last year within policing I am confident that I have a huge amount of skills and experience that will be of benefit within the private sector. I am excited, and slightly terrified, to find my new ‘Blue’ family.* The journey has been an interesting one so far! I'll update my post policing adventures on LinkedIn, which hopefully will help, amuse or inspire someone else!** Well done for reading this far! Thank you.