Joy is a seasoned professional with a distinguished career spanning various roles in law enforcement, local government, and community leadership. With a strong academic foundation, including a BA Hons in Management, MSc in Security and Crime Risk Management, and an MBA from Durham University Business School, Joy has consistently demonstrated a commitment to serving and protecting individuals and communities.
Joy began her career in Germany, where she gained invaluable insights into uniformed services and cultural complexities while working for a german/anglo business and HM Forces. Upon returning to the UK, she joined Durham Constabulary, where she developed a deep understanding of policing and its organisational culture and structures.
Transitioning into local government, Joy took on the role of Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator, pioneering initiatives to engage and respond to residents’ concerns, including establishing the first Junior Neighbourhood Watch scheme and youth citizenship smart card in the country.
Her dedication to community safety led to managing various community safety services, such as crime and disorder partnerships, CCTV control rooms and anti-social behaviour teams, culminating in the creation of the the largest street warden service in the country when she secured funding to appoint 70 wardens to serve under Ray Mallon, the Mayor of Middlesbrough.
Throughout her career, Joy has been a catalyst for change and innovation, attracting attention and support from governmental agencies, police forces, and media outlets. Their leadership in multi-agency partnerships has been instrumental in addressing complex issues such as crime, drugs and anti-social behaviour.
As an Area Manager for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, Joy was one of the first women to hold a senior management position in the Fire Service nationally. She continued to excel, managing both uniformed and non uniformed officers and played a pivotal role in shifting national cultural. She was instrumental in helping to reduce the number of those killed and seriously injured on the roads when she developed a new road safety strategy and branding for the County Durham and Darlington Casualty Reduction Partnership.
Her leadership skills were further recognised politically when she appointed to the Cabinet of Durham County Council, where she led the Safer and Stronger Communities Agenda, chaired key committees, and championed crime reduction efforts.
Joy’s unwavering dedication to serving the community and holding agencies accountable has earned her respect and admiration. She has consistently demonstrated her ability to deliver efficient and effective services while prioritising the needs of victims and vulnerable populations.
As a Police and Crime Commissioner, Joy is poised to make a lasting impact on community safety and well-being, drawing on their extensive experience and proven track record of success.
Joy’s Current Responsibilities Include
National Association of Police and Crime Commissioner’s
- Joint lead for Addictions and Substance Misuse
- Joint Lead for Environment and Sustainability
- National Lead for Drink/Drug Driving
- Deputy Roads Policing Lead
- Deputy Emergency Services Collaboration
Other National Roles
Bluelight Commercial Board Member
North East Business Resilience Centre Board Member
Ministerial Round Table on Combatting Drugs
Alcohol Related Crime and Homicide Board Member
Local Roles
Governor Whitworth Academy (Advance Learning Partnership)
Bishop Auckland College Board Member
Pelton Community Centre Board Member
Spennymoor Town Board
Chair of Local Criminal Justice Board
Chair of Combating Drugs Partnership
Chair of Safer Business Task Group