Keeping Our Public Transport Safe: Paula Shortland’s role on the Women’s Safety Forum 

I’m Paula Shortland, an Education Officer for West Midlands Police, working within the Safer Travel Partnership. This collaboration between West Midlands Police, British Transport Police, Transport for West Midlands, and various transport operators ensures the safety and security of our public transport network.  

Every day, we strive to make travel safe for all passengers, and I take pride in being the Safer Travel Champion for Violence Against Women and Girls. 

My Role 

My daily responsibilities are diverse and rewarding. They often involve visiting schools and colleges to conduct workshops on safe travel practices, attending community events, and speaking at various organisations about our pivotal campaign, Project Empower. Empower is designed to educate the public on identifying and reporting unwanted sexual behaviours. Through this campaign, we emphasise what constitutes inappropriate behaviour, how to report incidents, and the measures in place to ensure a safe travel environment for everyone. 

Engagement is a cornerstone of my work. I’m continuously developing methods for vulnerable passengers to discreetly seek help if they find themselves in unsafe situations on public transport. This year, we’ve initiated events at busy transport hubs, providing us with the opportunity to interact directly with passengers, listen to their concerns, and address their safety needs. We also encourage passengers to use our Safer Travel reporting line by texting the word “SeeSay” to 81018 with details of any issues they encounter on their journeys. 

Joining the Colmore Women’s Safety Forum 

My commitment to public safety extends beyond the transport network. Inspired by Paul Street, a remarkable ambassador for Colmore BID, I joined the Colmore Women’s Safety Forum. This initiative aligns with my mission to ensure Birmingham’s city centre is safe and inclusive for everyone, whether they are visiting socially, working, or traveling. 

Being an active member of the Forum is vital to me. I attend all meetings and events, showing support for my fellow BID members. Despite representing various organisations, our shared goal of keeping women safe unites us. The Forum is a fantastic platform where we learn about innovative safety measures like Hollie Guard and Ask Angela, and I’m grateful for the chance to collaborate with other champions dedicated to this cause. 

The Joy of Being Part of a Passionate Community 

One of the most rewarding aspects of my involvement in the Forum is the opportunity to meet and work with inspiring individuals. From bar managers to hotel executives, charity leaders to local business heads, the Colmore BID area is home to many passionate people committed to safety and inclusion. Sharing ideas, supporting each other, and contributing to the important work the BID undertakes is incredibly fulfilling. 

I also relish the chance to showcase the good work we are doing in Safer Travel. The enthusiasm and dedication of everyone involved in the Forum motivate me, and I am always eager to attend events, share insights, and celebrate our collective achievements. Plus, the events are often held in some of the best venues, adding an enjoyable social dimension to our serious work. 

Moving Forward Together 

Through education, proactive engagement, and collaboration, we are making significant strides in ensuring our public transport system and city center are safe spaces for everyone. As we move forward, I remain committed to this vital work and look forward to continuing our efforts to protect and empower passengers, particularly women and girls. 

In conclusion, my role in the Safer Travel Partnership and participation in the Women’s Safety Forum allows me to contribute meaningfully to public safety. Together, we are making a real difference, fostering a safer, more inclusive community for all.