National Inclusion Week: Spotlight on the South Wales Police Staff Networks
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There are more than 6,000 officers, staff and volunteers who are part of Team SWP. We all have unique characteristics, backgrounds, views, and experiences.
The communities of South Wales are diverse and have different needs. By being as diverse a workforce as possible, we can make sure we are best placed to understand and respond to their needs effectively.
National Inclusion Week runs from Monday 25th September to Sunday 1st October and gives us a chance to highlight the work we are doing to ensure South Wales Police is a diverse and inclusive employer.
Mark Stevenson, Chief People Officer, said: “We live in a diverse society. In order to support and build the trust of all the communities we serve, we must make sure our officers, staff and volunteers are reflective of our communities.
We pursue criminals, protect the vulnerable and prioritise victims. We can only do that if we represent our communities and enable colleagues to be the best they can be at work. That’s why National Inclusion Week is important to me and Team SWP.
Our workforce EDI plan not only puts specific emphasis on attracting and recruiting colleagues from under-represented groups and communities, but also is committed to developing a culture of inclusion through learning, supportive policies, and clear leadership expectations. We are also proud of the investment and support we have in place for colleagues from under represented groups to develop their skills and support their career progression within the force.
Our Positive Action, and Diversity and Inclusion teams offer support to current and prospective members of #TeamSWP ensuring everyone has the same opportunities available to them.
Our commitment and drive to become a more inclusive and diverse workplace can only be realised with the continued support we have from our staff networks who continue to help review and develop our approach and support colleagues in work. Their ongoing work and commitment is very much appreciated and I would like to thank them for their contribution.”
The networks include:
The Christian Police Association (CPA)
The CPA exists to be a national voice for Christians in policing and to encourage and support Christians in the policing family. As well as providing a network and support for Christians in South Wales Police, we also hope to build bridges between the Christian community and the Police.
Disability Support Network (DSN)
The DSN is a supportive network of colleagues within the force of staff who have a disability or living through a disability.
The DSN ensure that South Wales Police provides an inclusive and supportive working environment for staff to thrive. In addition, the DSN influence policies which may directly or indirectly affect disabled staff ensuring the workplace is inclusive for disabled staff members to be productive and valued, and more focused on capabilities rather than disabilities.
Gender Equality Network (GEN)
The GEN is a supportive network of colleagues from across the force who work together to encourage greater Gender Equality in the workplace.
As a network, we aim to ensure South Wales Police provides a positive working environment for all genders by encouraging fair representation at all ranks and roles. We also work with Chief Officers and Senior Leaders to positively influence policy development and to encourage equal opportunities for female employees to ensure they can maximise their potential and thrive.
The Neurodiversity Network Staff Support Network (ND SSN)
The ND SSN has been formed to raise awareness of Neurodiversity within South Wales Police and to be a point of support for Neurodivergent colleagues and colleagues who may be carers for individuals with Neurodiverse conditions, as well as colleagues who wish to engage with the Network as allies. All SWP staff with an interest in Neurodiversity are encouraged to join the Network in order to access support, advice and learning opportunities.
The South Wales Association of Muslim Police (SWAMP)
The SWAMP has been formed in order provide a support network for our Muslim colleagues across South Wales Police and neighbouring constabularies, as well as those who wish to join the Service, from Muslim communities. SWAMP also aims to support the Service to achieve its vision – ‘To be the best at understanding and responding to our communities’ needs’, by working with Chief officers, Senior leaders and external partner agencies.
The South Wales Black Police Association (SWBPA)
The SWBPA seeks to improve the working environment of B.A.M.E. staff within South Wales by enhancing the quality of service provided to its diverse communities. By providing a support network for all B.A.M.E. staff, and striving to improve relationships between the police and B.A.M.E. communities, the association will play a positive role in supporting staff members and all communities within South Wales.
Wales LGBT+ Police Network – South Wales Branch
The South Wales Police Branch of the Wales LGBT+ Police Network is a support association for all employees of South Wales Police.
Working in collaboration with North Wales, Gwent and Dyfed Powys Police services, the Wales LGBT+ Police Network is able to create and share best practice, training and event opportunities across the country and also challenge organisations across Wales and the UK to improve the experiences of LGBT+ people, together.
Women of Colour in Policing (WoCiP)
The WoCiP network aims to actively engage, challenge, develop initiatives and prioritise with an aspiration to create a change in the culture of policing. Working towards developing a wider cultural understanding, including raising awareness of the barriers women of colour face from both internal and external communities due to culture that can impact on attraction, recruitment progression and retention.
It also looks at tackling attitudes, unacceptable behaviours and identifying processes which disadvantage Women of Colour in Policing. This strand of work will provide leadership, vision and co-ordination to drive equality, inclusion & cultural activity across policing organisations to improve positive outcomes for women of colour within policing.