Dr Alan Billings, South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner will be supporting International Women’s Day by attending a lunch at the invitation of the White Rose University Consortium.

The event to be held at Sheffield Town Hall today (Friday, 8^thMarch) will be themed on closing the pay gap.

He said: “I am pleased to be invited to the event.  South Yorkshire Police continues to promote equality.  Indeed, the Force’s senior command team currently has two female Assistant Chief Constables with Mrs Jo Byrne and Mrs Ingrid Lee.

“South Yorkshire Police currently employ 822 female police officers and 140 female police community support officers, with 45.8% of South Yorkshire’s workforce being women.

“Female police officers across the force equate to 30.6%, higher than the national average of 27%, who take on the same roles and responsibilities as their male counterparts, playing a pivotal role in keeping the streets of South Yorkshire a safer place for everyone.

“International Women’s Day is an opportunity for us all to celebrate the successes and achievements of women.  Over the last four months since my appointment as Police and Crime Commissioner, I have met inspirational women – courageous officers, voluntary group organisers and also some victims of crime who have come through some very difficult experiences.

“I would like to express my sincere thanks to the White Rose University Consortium for offering me the opportunity to attend today.”