Hosting the National LGBT+ Police Conference

Working together to improve policing workplaces and services

It is a huge honour and a privilege, if somewhat daunting, to be hosting the National LGBT+ Police Conference this coming September. I’m thrilled we have this opportunity when different parts of the police service from all over will come together – practitioners and leaders in policing and some of our partner services – to consider how we can improve our service and workplaces. Different sessions, across a range of topics, from how we better address domestic abuse and violence to inclusive leadership, will enable sharing of innovation, good practices, views and experiences.?

Inspired by our values to be the difference

Inclusion is one of our organisation’s core values alongside caring, courageous and learning. Each of these features prominently in the programme we’ve developed with input from key stakeholders and in collaboration with national network leads, a diverse and impressive array of speakers from within and beyond policing. All have given of their time and talent generously. I hope the event will represent a really proud milestone in our history as an organisation when we can say we brought people together to help make policing better for LGBT+ people of all backgrounds.

Adapting to pandemic times

Our planning team has tried to be innovative by making use of technology while supporting those who wish to come together in a Covid secure way in their local policing headquarters and meeting places to join the conference. Circumstances have meant that we’ve necessarily had to think a bit differently to previous events, but we hope it will be equally engaging and full of insight and opportunities to interact and share learning.

This matters to all of us

The team and I care deeply about how policing can best support LGBT+ people internally and externally. This is an integral part of considering how we can more effectively support our entire workforce and deliver the best service possible to communities. We know that building trust and confidence is critical to this.?In every aspect of what we do we must make sure all people are supported, valued and respected, regardless of their background – and this includes lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people.

Despite considerable efforts and some improvements across our service, I am all too painfully aware that LGBT+ people in our communities and workforce, as they go about their daily lives, experience prejudice, hate and discrimination. There should be no place for that. While the conference will be a positive occasion where we look to make a difference and celebrate achievements, we will not lose sight of the need to still do so much better.

Paying tribute to all those who make a difference

Throughout my time in the police service, I have met so many inspiring LGBT+ members of our workforce and allies – officers, staff and volunteers at all levels. All of them dedicated public servants who have really demanding and important roles serving the public. As with so many of our colleagues they often stand with members of the public, providing exceptional and professional support on difficult and dark days while trying to keep us safe from harm. I have huge respect and admiration for all of them.

Often, on top of their core duties, they give extra time and effort and they go above and beyond to help improve policing, including for the LGBT+ members of our workforce and communities in so many ways. Whether that’s volunteering as part of an employee support group, building relations with local community groups and partners beyond work time, giving their expertise and insight, or developing policies and new ways of working, and so on.

I conclude here by thanking them and paying tribute to them. As well as providing a space where they can come together and share, the conference will be a chance to recognise and celebrate their work. I look forward to meeting everyone and sharing my reflections from the conference.?

To find out more about our inclusive culture, head to: Our inclusive culture | Avon and Somerset Police

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