Employee Spotlight: Michael Henderson, from Police Officer to Safeguarding Officer
‘It’s so rewarding being able to make such a difference to the lives of some of the most vulnerable residents in the county.’
After a 30-year career with the police, Michael joined the council eight years ago as a Compliance Officer. In his current position as Senior Compliance and Safeguarding Officer for Client Transport, he has helped significantly improve the safety of the service for its users.
We spoke to him about how he has utilised his skills as a police officer for his work within Bucks.
Tell us a bit about your career journey — both leading up to and during your time at the council.
I left the police after 30 years, looking for a new challenge that allowed me to use the skills I had developed over that time. I initially became a driving instructor but the lack of social interaction and team engagement I was used to led me to look for a different path in my life. I was very lucky that a friend who was working for the council at that time made me aware of an opportunity within Client Transport to become part of their Compliance team.
Previously you had a career as a police officer — could you tell us a little bit about that, and the transfer to your current role?
When I was 18, I moved from Scotland to join the Metropolitan Police. It was a huge decision at the time, but one that I am very thankful I made. I was a police officer throughout the 80s, 90s, and 2000s, so I have seen a fair few things and changes in my time. I was lucky enough to serve my time in uniform in several different areas of London before moving to the Territorial Support Group, but my greatest achievement was spending 12 years on the world-famous Flying Squad dealing with serious and organised crime.
Tell us about your current role at the council.
My current role as Senior Compliance and Safeguarding Officer is very busy but extremely rewarding. The Compliance team is responsible for over 1,200 daily transport contracts that take students, including those with special needs, to and from school, as well as vulnerable adults to their placements. That equates to about 8,000 people being transported around the county every weekday. The team is responsible for ensuring all drivers and passenger assistants are adequately trained and have had the necessary checks completed before working on our contracts. We also handle the investigation of any complaints or safeguarding concerns that are raised. We provide safeguarding and specialist training for all staff working on our contracts, and if that wasn’t enough, we are out every morning monitoring the contracts at schools to ensure everybody is doing what is being asked of them.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
It’s really rewarding to see the massive difference we make for our service users, who are some of the most vulnerable residents in the county. Compliance is an ever-changing landscape and I take immense pride in leading those changes and ensuring that the service we provide is safe and gives parents and family members confidence in us.
What’s the best thing about your team?
Although my team is only small, they are all very experienced, professional, and very productive. It is a testament to them and their commitment to making a difference that they achieve so much. My colleagues come from backgrounds where communication is key and that’s our biggest attribute: the ability to speak to people in person and address their concerns quickly and effectively.
Tell us a little bit about how your work has impacted the wider businesses.
I really do feel like I’m an integral part of the journey of changes currently happening in Client Transport and, especially, the Compliance and Safeguarding team. We strive to uphold the reputation of the council with the work we do and have made the transport service even safer for its users. I feel privileged to be part of this ongoing project.
Finally, can you tell us how your work matters?
The Compliance team makes a massive difference to people’s quality of life when it comes to providing transport for their children and loved ones. It can be such an anxious time for parents and families but hopefully, the work we do every day builds trust and reassurance in the service we provide.