Ep.47 Challenging the System with Rhona Malone

Sexism Stops Here! Challenging the System! For anyone that's been through or going through the grievance procedure, an employment tribunal or ill-health retirement, you'll know how arduous a journey it is and the impact it has. Today I'm talking with Rhona Malone.  Rhona is a former officer from Police Scotland and joined the job as a single mum of 3 kids. She had a great career and really enjoyed what she was doing, working with some fantastic people. A little later in her service, she qualified as a firearms officer and joined the firearms team. Now she tells the story far better than I ever could, which you'll pick up from the intro, however suffice to say, she had to retire on ill-health and is taking the force to an employment tribunal which takes place in August 2021. Rhona has been through an incredibly challenging time and this is a really hard hitting interview. I know from experience of supporting 2 officers through the employment tribunal process, that it takes a massive toll on your mental health, takes such a long time and also has a massive impact financially and Rhona has shown such resilience. Rhona's story is truly inspirational and with the support of Blue Light Leavers and key members of the group, and also the Police Firearms Officers Association, Rhona has since gone on to do amazing things, including owning her own business as a Property Personal Assistant. Rhona is now also supporting other female officers who've been subjected to sexual discrimination and victimisation and she gives details in the episode of how to connect. It was 30C when we recorded the episode, so please excuse the birds singing in the background as I recorded outside of the 50C studio!  You can also visit the website and blog on www.bluelightleavers.com and download my free NEW and UPDATED guide to LinkedIn for Police Officers for 2021! You can listen to the podcast on shift, walking the dog, pottering about, and do it on your phone, desktop, laptop, or tablet, anywhere and whenever suits you, pause and play and they're all completely free! You can now even ask Alexa to 'Play Blue Light Leavers Podcast' and up it pops! Don't forget you can also join our Private Facebook group at: www.facebook.com/groups/bluelightleavers If you like what you've heard, please subscribe, hit 5* and leave a review and share with your friends and colleagues and come and join us in our Private Facebook Group.