Emma Zeeman joined Avon and Somerset Constabulary as Strategic HR Director in December 2009.

"Putting the public first and maximising frontline policing is our top priority. This means having the right people in the right place and I am committed to ensuring that our resources are effectively and efficiently deployed to achieve this," said Emma.

"There is a tremendous amount of enthusiasm and energy in the Constabulary and I am delighted to be part of it. Developing the skills and expertise of our talented workforce will help us to deliver the very best quality service and build our reputation as an employer of choice. Strengthening our relationship with Southwest One and further modernising working practices will also help us to attain these goals."

Emma’s role is all about looking after the people side of the organisation. It encompasses recruitment, training, selection, management development, employee relations, workforce planning and consultation. She is also responsible for occupational health and welfare and health and safety.

Her extensive HR experience includes project management, employee relations, recruitment and selection, outsourcing, training and change management.

Emma’s career in HR started in the private sector with an IT software development company, where she became assistant HR manager.

She then worked for Seagate Technology, based in Northern Ireland, where there was a strong focus on continuous improvement. In 2002 Emma joined Grafton Group, an international recruitment group based in Belfast, as Director of HR.

In this post Emma played an instrumental role in the development of a new recruitment outsourcing and HR consultancy brand, Grafton ESP (Employment Solutions Portfolio), spanning 72 offices in 18 countries. In addition to being HR Director, Emma went on to be appointed as Managing Director of the consultancy and was promoted onto the International Group Board in 2008.

Grafton ESP’s client base featured public sector organisations, including the Police Service Northern Ireland which gave Emma her first insight into the policing service.

Emma holds a BA in Psychology and Education. She is a chartered fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and a fellow of the Institute of Directors.

Outside work, Emma’s interests include rugby, theatre and outdoor activities with her two young children.