We want diversity in a modern service
ASSISTANT CHIEF CONSTABLE GILLIAN MacDONALD
“IF YOU’RE talking about glass ceilings, the three of us have clearly broken through,” said Gillian.
She is passionate about equality and diversity – so much so that she started a network for women in the police to encourage and support their career ambitions.
Gillian wants to change the perception that female police officers are mothers with badges and also challenge the notion that women can’t do the “boy jobs”.
She has walked the beat, been a detective, was an area commander in Glasgow’s Gorbals, has taken charge of major football matches and events such as The Open golf championship at Royal Troon and was responsible for implementing a strategy that drove down violent crime in Ayrshire.
She added: “I was with the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency as a detective chief inspector, which is traditionally seen as a more male environment. I worked in uniform in Strathclyde and CID and have had nothing but support.
“That’s not to say it’s easy to get to those positions. You have to work hard, be credible and demonstrate your ability on some of the roles.
“It’s tough but it’s rightly tough. It’s not just tough for the women, it’s tough for our male colleagues to get to those positions as well.”
She added: “I am and always have been passionate about equality and equity of opportunity. I am not backwards in coming forwards should I feel that is required.”
A consultant before she joined the police in 1990, Gillian feels the service offers more equality and opportunity than other careers.
And she says she has never encountered misogyny or sexism in her 28 years on the force.
Gillian said: “We have a workforce where 30 per cent are women and that is improving all the time.
“More women are coming through into promoted posts at all levels and this will continue to rise.
“I’ve never had anyone say anything directly to my face.
“We want to be that modern employer who increases and improves diversity.
“We are working to ensure we are more representative of communities across Scotland. There is no other career like it.
“It’s important that people can see mirrors of themselves now that we are visible as female leaders in the service. I would describe myself as ordinary and think that can resonate with people, whatever their gender or ethnicity.”