My name is Matthew Boyle and I am ACC GMP Local Policing and Prevention and NPCC lead for Response Policing.
The BPSO is a fantastic ambassador for UK policing and steeped in history. I first saw the orchestra in Ripon Cathedral and could see the pride in the musicians and how they, through music, support brilliant causes. I wanted to provide my support to help strengthen the orchestra’s mission further so it can remain sustainable and grow from strength to strength.
I have previously played keyboards, although a very self-taught amateur and I enjoy different genres of music.
For many years, Claire was an active member of our Management Committee, before latterly redefining and focussing her role as a Trustee and Event Organiser for our Symphony Hall concerts.
Outside of BPSO, Claire is a practising Solicitor based in the West Midlands. She is a specialist in the handling of serious and catastrophic injury claims, both nationally and internationally.
Her passion for music, coupled with life as a busy lawyer provides a perfect balance for Claire. She is much in demand both in the law; and with regular performances as a musician across the country for several ensembles both as an invited soloist and as an orchestral member.
Claire’s drive, strength, tenacity of approach and sheer passion both as a lawyer and musician, provides a specific skill set also to her role as a Trustee.
Claire’s eye for detail and determination not only maintains, but also helps nurture and upport the growth of BPSO, both financially and as an organisation, thereby enabling the holistic benefits not only for BPSO, but for all other charities and organisations to whom we outreach into the wider community.
I have been lucky enough to be a member of the BPSO for 25 years having been initially invited to audition by my former police Inspector who was then Principal French Horn. I spent time with both the Guernsey Police and Staffordshire Police before entering education as a Bursar.
Music has been a large part of my life both playing trumpet and singing in choirs and Gilbert & Sullivan operettas whilst at school. Both my primary and secondary education music teachers fuelled this love.
I am honoured to be able to help progress the orchestra in securing its future in the current role of secretary and trustee.
Benjamin’s policing experience started after leaving university and becoming a Special Constable in three different forces (MPS, West Midlands and West Yorkshire) as his work roles moved.
He was appointed as a magistrate at Peterborough and as a representative to the Cambridgeshire Police Authority. After a while Benjamin became vice-chair of the Authority until the transfer to elected police and crime commissioners. In total he was an Authorit member for 16 years.
Benjamin is a trustee of the Cambridgeshire Police Shrievalty Trust – a charity working with vulnerable victims of crime and was was appointed Vice Lord-Lieutenant for Cambridgeshire earlier in 2020.
Benjamin is a management consultant and interim manager – working with large organisations to make things happen – turning strategy into action. He has worked with many public sector clients and for the UK government in several countries including Iraq and Afghanistan. For policing organisations, Bejamin has managed projects for a number of UK and international police forces on a range of assignments.
Bejamin was previously a trustee of the East of England Orchestra and failed to learn to play the cello. He sings occasionally.
Benjamin is married to Liz and his daughter Alexandra is an NHS paediatrician.
A former Roads Policing Officer with Dyfed Powys Police where for the later part of his 33 years service was a Police Motorcycle /Car Driving Instructor and on retirement ran his own driving school based in Llandeilo, West Wales.
His musical talent developed through the Carmarthenshire music service and he was selected to attend the Welsh College of Music and Drama (then based at Cardiff Castle), as a part time student where he studied Trumpet under Colin Casson (BBC Welsh Symphony Orchestra). He was selected for The National Youth Orchestra of Wales and studied under William Lang (London Symphony Orchestra).
John is a founder member of the British Police Symphony Orchestra and held the position of principal trumpet from it’s formation in 1989 for over 20 years. He has also been principal trumpet with the Welsh Philharmonic Orchestra, Philomusica of Aberystwyth and has performed with the National Sinfonia of Wales, the Welsh Chamber Orchestra and freelances with other orchestras across the UK. He proudly represented BPSO as Director of Music for the UK National Police Memorial Day until 2023.
He has previously been musical director of Carmarthen & District Youth Opera, Merlin Youth Theatre and was the founder director of The ‘Myrddin Chorale’ a Carmarthen based mixed choir and Carmarthen Symphonic Wind Band. He is currently the founder and proud conductor of Band Tref Llandeilo Town Band a local wind band formed recently to participate in local events and encourage local players of any age or ability to enjoy making music.
John is honoured to represent the British Police Symphony Orchestra as a trustee.
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Welsted – West Midlands Police
My name is ACC Matt Welsted, I am 48 years old and have been a serving police officer in three Police Forces for the last 29 years. I care passionately about policing, the service we provide to the public, and the way we care for and inspire our staff.
I was inspired to become a trustee of the BPSO because I believe it offers a unique and powerful way to celebrate the people behind the uniform. The orchestra showcases the creativity, dedication, and humanity of those who serve, and connects with communities in a way that builds trust and joy. I’m proud to support its continued success and help shape its future.
Although I don’t currently play an instrument, I’ve always admired the expressive power of the cello, so no surprise that one of my favourite pieces is Elgar’s Nimrod – it’s deeply moving and always reminds me of the strength and dignity of service.
Retired Chief Constable West Mercia Police
Paul West has 32 years of policing experience, including 13 years as a chief officer and eight years as the Chief Constable of West Mercia Police.  He was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal for distinguished police service in 2005 and appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of Worcestershire in 2019.
Paul has been an independent member of the Judicial Appointments Commission since 2012 and a member of the Prison Service Pay Review Body since 2016. Other than those part-time public appointments, Paul has devoted the remainder of his time since he retired in 2011 to voluntary governance roles with a number of charities and schools.
Paul has been a very keen amateur musician for over 40 years, dating back to his teenage years when he led the Durham County Youth Orchestra. He has had a long association with the BPSO, initially as a supporter and Trustee before serving as the Orchestra’s Chair between 2009 and 2011. Since retiring from his role as a Chief Constable and having the ability to attend rehearsals on a regular basis, he has greatly enjoyed being a member of the BPSO’s 1st Violin section.  Paul currently also plays viola with the Worcestershire Symphony Orchestra.
