Choosing Family Over Shift Work: Charlie’s Story
From Police Inspector to Government & Risk Professional
Police & Government“The moment I could show up for my daughter made me realise I made the right decision.”
Highest Qualification Achieved
PSP60116 Advanced Diploma of Government (Investigations)
Other Qualification Achieved
CPP50619 Diploma of Security and Risk Management
Key Outcomes at a Glance
Charlie gained recognised qualifications, increased confidence, and created new career opportunities beyond policing.
Government & Risk Professional
Job Level
Advanced Diploma of Government (Investigations)
Qualification
Fast, Guided RPL Process
RPL Completion
Police to Government & Compliance
Industry
Government & Risk Professional
Job Level
Advanced Diploma of Government (Investigations)
Qualification
Fast, Guided RPL Process
RPL Completion
Police to Government & Compliance
Industry
Background and Starting Point
Charlie built a long career in policing, progressing into leadership and HR roles before seeking a more balanced and flexible career path.
Previous Role
NSW Police Inspector Officer in Charge, Queanbeyan Police Station Human Resources, Professional Standards & Compliance
Industry
Police
At This Point
Senior police leader seeking better work-life balance and long-term career flexibility
The Journey Begins
1
Extensive Leadership and Operational Experience
Over a 20+ year police career, Charlie progressed through the ranks to Inspector, leading teams, managing operations, and overseeing large policing areas.
2
Growing Focus on Family Life
Extended periods away from home during major events led Charlie to prioritise his family and reassess the long-term sustainability of his role.
3
Desire for Career Flexibility
With many years still ahead in his working life, Charlie wanted a career that allowed flexibility and recognised his transferable skills across industries.
Why Churchill Education?
Why Charlie Hutchins Decided on RPL with Churchill
Trusted guidance for career transition and recognition
“Churchill helped me see the value of my experience in a completely new way.” – Charlie
Key Reasons
Wanted qualifications to meet selection criteria in new industries
Needed confidence in how his skills translated outside police
Introduced to RPL through a trusted transition support network
Wanted a faster, practical alternative to further study
The Turning Point
RPL helped Charlie convert years of experience into recognised qualifications for new career pathways.
Background Journey
Charlie connected with a Churchill advisor, submitted his documents, and worked through a structured assessment where his experience was reviewed in detail, including leadership roles, HR responsibilities, compliance work, and operational duties.
Phase 01
Realisation
After years of shift work, major events, and time away from family, Charlie recognised the need for change.
Phase 02
Reframing Priorities
A moment with his daughter made it clear that work-life balance had to come first.
Phase 03
Discovering Churchill Education
Through Fortem Australia, Charlie was introduced to RPL as a way to translate his experience.
Phase 04
Qualifications Awarded
Charlie achieved nationally recognised qualifications aligned to investigations and risk, positioning him for a new career path.
Challenges and How They Were Overcome
Charlie faced uncertainty about career direction and recognition, which was resolved through gaining qualifications and expert guidance.
Who this is suitable for
Challenge 1: Leaving a Stable Police Career
Transitioning from a long-term career came with uncertainty and risk.
Solution 1: Long-Term Thinking
Charlie prioritised family, flexibility, and future career sustainability over short-term security.
Challenge 2: Lack of Recognised Qualifications
Without formal qualifications, progressing into new industries would be difficult.
Solution 2: RPL Qualification Pathway
RPL provided recognised credentials that aligned with his real-world experience.
Career Outcome and Impact
Charlie gained qualifications, clarity, and flexibility to pursue a more balanced and fulfilling career.
Current Position
Exploring opportunities in cyber security, HR, and governance, risk and compliance
Immediate Advantage
Qualifications now meet selection criteria and improve visibility to employers
Career Flexibility
Positioned to choose a path aligned with lifestyle and long-term goals
Improved Work-Life Balance
Transition allows greater presence with family and control over time
The RPL Experience
RPL gave Charlie a clear, fast way to understand his value and formalise it.
Evidence Collection
Provided career history and supporting documentation.
Expert Matching
Churchill identified qualification pathways aligned to his experience.
Outcome
Achieved qualifications that validated both capability and career direction.
Confidence and Clarity Gained
The experience helped Charlie understand his strengths and how they apply across different industries.
Charlie Hutchins's Advice to Others
Real-Life Lessons from Charlie on Making a Career Change
“The first thing I’d say is that Churchill’s process is easy, stress free and quick. Coming out of police or military careers it’s important to know how your experience stacks up in a civilian world.
I advise anyone that is considering leaving, to reach out to Churchill before you leave, while you have access to your employment records. This will make the process much smoother, and save trying to access role and course descriptions once you have left.
And I think the great thing about the Churchill process is that the assessment is free, so you don’t have to pay anything up front. You find out what you’re eligible for first. Then pick and choose what aligns with the type of work you want to move into.
If you haven’t got the necessary qualifications on your resume, you’re not even going to make it to interview, because you won’t get past the resume search algorithms.
This is why RPL is so great because otherwise you’re having to go back and study what you can already do blindfolded with your hands behind your back.”
– Charlie
Looking Back: Reflection and Summary
Charlie's final thoughts on their journey with Churchill Education
“I’m only just starting to realise how many skills I actually have. That clarity changes everything.”
– Charlie
Get Clarity Before You Leave
Understand how your police experience translates into civilian roles before you exit.
Make Sure You’re Recognised on Paper
Without the right qualifications, you won’t get through screening or interview processes.
Align Qualifications to Your Next Move
Choose qualifications that match where you actually want to go.
Don’t Leave Evidence Behind
Access your records while you’re still in the job to make the process easier.
Avoid Starting from Scratch
There’s no need to study what you already know and can do. Get it recognised.