Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe is an esteemed JCI Sheffield Alumnus, who is the present Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis (head of London's Metropolitan Police Service). He was previously Chief Constable of Merseyside Police, an Assistant Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, and more recently one of Her Majesty's Inspectors of Constabulary.  Sir Bernard kindly offered to have an interview with Andy Smyth (JCI Sheffield Marketing Director), from which we have extracted a number of points about his involvement and experiences.

Q: Why did you decide to join JCI Sheffield?

A: The Assistant Chief Constable in South Yorkshire recommended it, principally due to the public speaking events that were being organised.  At the time it was something that I wanted to gain more experience with, and I remember when Sheffield were victorious at a national level.

Q: What was the most senior JCI role that you took?

A: I didn't take on any specific role in the local Council Team, but got actively involved on a number of projects over a 5 year period.

Q: Are there any defining events or experiences where JCI membership influenced your career? 

A: I enjoyed getting involved with the Christmas Tree Event, where we collected gifts for disadvantaged children in the city. This is a great JCI Community event that we have replicated, on an annual basis, within the Metropolitan Police at New Scotland Yard.

Q: What advice would you give to someone thinking about joining JCI Sheffield?

A: If you are a developing manager or leader, then there is great potential to allow you to acquire and try new skills in a supportive environment.  You meet lots of new people from different businesses and backgrounds. 

We would like to thank Sir Bernard for taking time out of his busy schedule for this interview.