Daniel Bair

Working in recruitment and community engagement as part of the Outreach team, Daniel Bair is effecting change in the future generation of the Met’s workforce. As an Outreach lead, his role includes organising various events to attract potential police recruits.

Daniel’s work is focused on improving female and Black and Minority Ethnic representation within the Met, as well as directly changing the perceptions of his community through positive interactions – particularly in terms of the younger generations.

What inspired you to join the Met?

It was most definitely the opportunity to make a difference to the community. I firmly believe that if you want something to change, you must confront it head on. I felt having a voice and a platform on the inside would be a really powerful way of reaching people.

Can you describe what it is like in your role day-to-day?

The daily activities in my role are all geared towards identifying recruitment and engagement opportunities within the area that I cover. More specifically, we are very keen to improve the representation of female and Black and Ethnic minorities in the force, in order to encourage candidate applications and ultimately successful police officer hires.

Prior to Covid-19, I attended a lot of specific recruitment careers fairs, at schools, sixth form colleges and universities, as well as job centres, youth and community centres and religious venues. Shopping centres, football grounds and local attractions were also useful venues for us to attend, so long as there was a recruitment angle!

Much of this engagement we have continued online.

What would you say is the most interesting or enjoyable aspect to your current role?

The interactions with young people in the community. Many have negative impressions of the police, some due to personal experiences – but just being out there, empathising, listening, and demystifying many of the stigmas that exist and getting positive reactions is immensely satisfying.

In your role, have you had to overcome any significant barriers?

Thankfully I have not had any barriers to overcome – quite the opposite! Most of the reactions to who my new employer was were positive and full of admiration.

Are there any key moments or experiences that particularly stand out during your time at the Met?

To name one, having a televised chat with Chancellor Rishi Sunak at Barking job centre would be up there!

What does Black History Month mean to you?

I see it as an opportunity to challenge racism and educate yourself and others about the British history that is not taught in schools. A time to remember the forgotten people who helped shape the UK.

What would you say to someone considering a career in the Met?

There is so much variety on offer! Whichever role you are in, the old cliché that no two days are the same genuinely rings true here. Things are by no means perfect, but steps are being taken like never before to address the challenges the Met faces - some of which are generations old. There is no better time to join than right now.