Karen Geddes
Personal profile
Karen is a highly respected leader, strategist, and public speaker, with 30 years of policing experience. As the first Black female Superintendent in West Midlands Police, she has played a pivotal role in shaping policy, leading complex investigations, and driving systemic change across community engagement, strategic policing, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). She has a proven track record of delivering meaningful reform within policing and beyond.
A specialist in institutional reviews, Karen has conducted high-profile investigations into systemic racism, most notably a comprehensive 30-year review of race-related cases within a fire service. Through in-depth analysis of historic complaints, stakeholder interviews, and policy evaluations, she provided critical recommendations for reform, influencing leadership accountability and organisational change.
Karen is also a recognised DEI expert, having developed and delivered bespoke training programmes for Police Now, equipping new officers and recruits with the skills to effectively engage with diverse communities, challenge biases, and build trust. Beyond policing, Karen is an accomplished conference and event planner, leading the Women in the Shade Conference, a pioneering platform that celebrates and empowers Black women in uniformed services. Her expertise in strategic event management, stakeholder engagement, and programme curation has made the conference a nationally recognised success.
As a sought-after public speaker and keynote presenter, Karen regularly delivers impactful talks on leadership, institutional change, and inclusive policing, sharing her insights to inspire and challenge organisations.
Her contributions have been recognised with prestigious awards, including the Queen’s Police Medal (QPM), the West Midlands Police Diversity and Inclusion Champion Award, and a National Ethnicity Leadership Award, underscoring her influence and commitment to transformational change.
Specialism(s)
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Strategy & Training, Leadership Development & Coaching, Conference & Event Planning, Public Speaking & Keynote Delivery, Strategic Policy & Change Management, Investigations & Review of Institutional Racism
- Sector Specialism: Police Service
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Work Locations:
West Midlands, however, will travel
