Jen was born in Preston and was educated at Broughton Primary School and Queen Mary School Lytham.

After completing her A Levels in English Literature, Geography and Biology she studied for a BA (Hons) in Applied Social Science (Criminology and Psychology) at Edge Hill College; graduating in 1991 with a 2:1 from Lancaster University.

In 1991, Jen was successful in her application to join Lancashire Constabulary and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 1996. In 2000 Jen was promoted to the rank of Inspector and became the youngest female Inspector in Lancashire Police.

In 2001, Jen was successful in her application to become a National Hostage Negotiator and undertook her training with the Metropolitan Police. Jen later became a Kidnap Negotiator and became part of the National Cadre-attending serious and protracted incidents anywhere in England and Wales.

During her Police service, Jen completed a Masters degree in Training and Evaluation, achieving an MEd from Hull University in 2004.

Jen worked across Lancashire in a variety of predominantly uniformed Policing roles throughout her service. Jen was also a founder member of the Women's Network for Lancashire Police and also became the Deputy Equality Liaison officer for the Force. She was also a Police Federation representative-representing staff with grievances or complaints and was frequently invited to speak at events on the National stage.

Following retirement, Jen now facilitates training and conference events, along with public and after dinner speaking and speech writing. Jen also worked as an Associate Lecturer for the University of Central Lancashire on the Policing and Criminal Investigation/Forensic Science degree course.

​

Jen is a sought after speaker who inspires, informs and engages audiences with humorous tales of her career in the Police Service and as a hostage negotiator.

​

She is an accomplished communicator, with experience of addressing diverse audiences and tailoring speeches and training events to suit the client.