ABOUT
WHO WE HAVE WORKED WITH
Irene Afful has had a hugely successful career to date including becoming the first-ever black female Inspector in the history of Merseyside Police. Her career incorporated critical incident management, professional standards, and specific responsibilities for gangland murders. During this time Irene has received many accolades and commendations and has recently been shortlisted for a Northern Power Women Award.
Determination, tenacity, and focus have been key strengths that have helped Irene drive her own career forward, but helping others has always been at the heart of how she has operated.
First Ever Black Female Inspector
Irene joined Merseyside Police in February 1991, ten years on from the Toxteth riots, and having suffered racial abuse at the hands of the police. She served 25 years as an officer. She overcame race and gender barriers, direct and indirect discrimination to become the first ever black female inspector in the history of Merseyside Police. She focused on resilience and mindset, developing tools to achieve this success.
As a pioneer and role model, Irene coached and mentored other minority staff for promotion and lateral development, helping them to build resilience for success. She designed, developed and delivered a leadership programme which was instrumental in increasing the recruitment of BME, females and other minority groups to the force.
Irene was headhunted to work as a consultant for the College of Policing on diversity and inclusion. She worked with 21 forces across the country addressing minority group under-representation. Irene holds a Masters degree in Police Leadership and is a published author of academic research concerning equality, diversity & inclusion, a subject she has had a lifelong passion for and lived experience.
Irene’s wealth of experience has enabled her to have a deep understanding of work spaces, cultures and the experience of minority groups. She has walked the walk and can legitimately talk the talk.
“A successful person is one who can lay firm foundations with the bricks others have thrown at them.”
Irene Afful’s Favourite Quote By David Brinkley
Helping You Become Your Best Version Of You
As Founder & Director of Ametrine Coaching & Consultancy, Irene puts that wealth of experience and study to expert use helping businesses, organisations and individuals to enhance their efficiency, effectiveness and competitive edge to achieve their goals and visions. She is an expert in matters of diversity and inclusion, supporting businesses and individuals to be more effective by offering a variety of tools, programmes, and consultancy services.
Clients include the Health & Safety Executive, Office for Nuclear Regulation, Local Education Authorities, Liverpool University, British and Irish Modern Music Institute London and a variety of business owners. Irene is also a highly sought after keynote speaker, performing at a vast array of business and educational events. She has performed a TEDx talk on the subject of Limitless Boundaries.
