Gemma Gair

In 2024, Gemma Gair, Head of People Services at Hampshire Police, delivered one of the most complex and high-stakes HR transitions in the organisation’s history. After a decade under a shared services agreement, she successfully led the reintegration of all HR functions back into the Constabulary—navigating legal, contractual, and organisational complexity with clarity and confidence.

Gemma oversaw a multi-faceted TUPE process, managing diverse terms and conditions, recruitment, resourcing, and budget planning. Operating under a cost-neutral mandate, she was tasked not only with transitioning the service but enhancing it—without additional funding. Her leadership ensured the service went live seamlessly, with motivated and informed teams in place from day one, supporting both business as usual and a major organisational restructure across the force.

Her ability to bring people with her—despite uncertainty—demonstrates exceptional transformational leadership. Staff described feeling “excited and motivated” to deliver an improved service, and the transition had minimal operational impact. Tangible improvements have already been realised across key People priorities, including recruitment, retention, sickness management, and ill-health retirement.

As a member of the Chief Officer Group, Gemma plays a critical role in ensuring that HR advice and policies align with both legal and ethical standards, often under the pressure of business-critical and reactive policing demands. Her calm, inclusive yet decisive leadership has earned her credibility and respect across all levels—from frontline officers to senior leaders.

Gemma’s work has enabled Hampshire Police to better serve the public—while fostering a modern, resilient, and people-focused internal culture.