Emma Arthurs

Emma is a work-based Federation Representative who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017, having discovered the lump while attending their initial representatives' course.

Fast forward eight years, after undergoing six rounds of chemotherapy, 15 rounds of radiotherapy, and seven surgeries, Emma is now dedicated to educating and improving the lives of serving officers and staff affected by all types of cancer.

Alongside her role as a student support officer, she provides advice for supervisors, facilitates monthly peer support meetings open to anyone, and, most recently, has conducted home visits to the family of an officer who was diagnosed with terminal cancer but sadly passed away.

Emma's own cancer journey was complicated from a work perspective. While her immediate line management was supportive, the HR process was clunky and disjointed. This experience fueled her determination to change the system, ensuring that being diagnosed with a critical illness is handled in a more personal and individualized manner—because cancer, regardless of type, is exactly that: personal and unique to each individual.