Staff member named Civilian of the Year in international award ceremony

Llongyfarchiadau mawr to #TeamSWP’s Marcia Gittens, whose commitment to improving policing for all has seen her win an international award.

Marcia, who leads the Case Management Unit within our Human Resources Department, has been named Civilian of the Year by the International Association of Women in Policing (IAWP).

Marcia has been instrumental in leading change in policing over the last 20 years, ensuring officers, staff and communities are treated equally, with dignity and respect.

Described as a “progressive and inspirational woman”, her achievements include

• Over 20 years of support to managers and staff to improve recruitment, progression and retention;
• Being a founding member of the South Wales Black Police Association (BPA), the National BPA (NBPA) and BPA Cymru. She is also the current co-chair of South Wales BPA;
• As Vice Chair of the NBPA she drafted the only published report on BAME women in policing and made recommendations for retention, promotion and progression of BAME women officers and staff;
• Member of the NBPA Stephen Lawrence Advisor Working Group and led their Gender Agenda Working Group;
• Engaging with community groups including Stonewall, Disability Cymru, Wales African Centre, CPS and other community groups and criminal justice organisations to improve community cohesion;
• Voluntary work in the community including delivering the Natural Born Leaders programme to young people of mixed backgrounds to empower them to achieve their potential, and work with The Gloves Are On and See, Speak Save charities.
• A member of Black History Wales Management Committee, BAME COVID Leaders group and RCC Cardiff Cultural Hub.
• Co-produced the first Black History calendar for businesses and educational establishments.

Chief Constable Jeremy Vaughan said:

“I am delighted that Marcia's outstanding contribution across policing has been recognised. Thoroughly deserved! I am delighted for her, and I – along with the entire #TeamSWP – am very proud of all she has achieved for herself, for policing, and for the communities we serve."