PW_1_2026

Professional Development

The following morning, this friendly atmosphere channelled into a productive energy as the meetings began. After some initial formalities, the seniors and juniors split into separate groups to brainstorm ideas. In the French Room, the junior members engaged in a lively and useful discussion. The group looked at past experiences as learning opportunities. All agreed, the Gimborn Talks were an essential mechanism for younger members to engage with each other, actively influence the future of the association, and explore how member-led projects could be more effectively integrated into the IPA’s structure. However, in its current format there was no formal mechanism to support ideas from inception to execution. The session quickly pivoted to sharing strategies. We heard about the success of Ireland’s mentoring program and a committee specifically designed to engage younger members. Section Denmark shared their achievements with social media, using Instagram and WhatsApp to build a community. These were simple, effective measures that were proving successful in recruiting, retaining, and engaging the next generation. The juniors concluded with a unified proposal: to continue the Gimborn Talks with at least one representative from the International Executive Board (IEB) present, creating a direct bridge between new ideas and the leadership able to champion them. When the two groups reconvened, what could have been a day of separate conversations became a moment of clear alignment. The seniors unanimously endorsed the proposal for the meetings to continue, agreeing that the presence of an IEB member would be beneficial. That evening, a barbecue sponsored by the Netherlands Section cemented the sense of partnership. Over Kölsch beers and national spirits from Ireland and Denmark, the conversation was not of seniors and juniors, but simply of friends and colleagues united by a common purpose. The weekend concluded not with a list of new rules, but with something more important: a shared commitment. The foundations have been reinforced for all members to contribute to the IPA’s future, ensuring the voices of the next generation are part of its vision. We left Gimborn with a shared sense of purpose, ready to build upon the friendships, both old and new, that make this association what it is. I certainly look forward to returning.

The bonds built at Gimborn Castle will not only encourage more exchanges through the On Patrol scheme but also create lasting friendships that stretch far beyond borders. Coming away from the conference, I felt energised about the future of the IPA. The ideas we explored will now be taken back to our national sections, where they can be implemented to strengthen recruitment, engagement, and opportunities for young members. The message was clear: younger officers are the future of the IPA, and it is vital we get them involved, active, and excited about what the association has to offer. The Strategic Young Members’ Conference showed just how much potential there is when we come together, share experiences, and look forward with ambition. With the support of all members, young and old, we can ensure that the IPA continues to grow and thrive for generations to come. Additional observations from fellow delegate Jordan Blyth As a junior representative for Section UK, I travelled to Gimborn Castle alongside NEC member Kieran English. The central question was clear: how do we encourage younger members to not just join, but to actively participate and shape the IPA for the 21st century? It was a weekend that would reaffirm our association’s friendships and create a shared drive for the future. Before the formal discussions began, the spirit of the IPA was already at work. Arriving a day early, my first stop in Düsseldorf was for a schnitzel, followed by a brewery tour where I met two Americans. As chance would have it, one had served as a Police Officer in Detroit before moving to Germany. A sense of camaraderie formed quickly. The connection didn’t stop there. We moved on to an Irish bar where the barman, Mathias, recognised my Scottish accent. He immediately beckoned me over to a wall of photographs of himself as an ex-Hibs footballer, fondly recalling his years in Edinburgh. It was a fine, unscripted moment of ‘Service through Friendship’; strangers from three different countries, connected by the bonds of policing and a shared history, chatting until closing time. This sense of fellowship continued the next day as I journeyed to the castle with members from Denmark and Norway, travelling through beautiful autumn woodland before Gimborn Castle finally came into view. After settling in, our diverse group of 20 members from across Europe gathered in the Turm Bar, ready for the weekend ahead.

POLICE WORLD Vol 71 No.1, 2026

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