Warwickshire Police

GENDER SUPPORT NETWORK

Mission Statement:

To observe, promote, improve awareness and actively assist in overcoming all gender issues affecting all of Warwickshire police employees, allowing staff to make their full contribution to policing in Warwickshire.

Aims:

  1. To develop a network of professional and social contacts between police officers, police staff, Special Constables and PCSO’s within Warwickshire and nationally.
  2. To provide an effective support network for all staff with issues relating to their gender. This will work alongside and compliment the work done by HR and staff associations.
  3. To support recruitment initiatives for Warwickshire police as an employer, so that potential employees are aware that support for gender issues is available.
  4. To assist Warwickshire police in promoting an internal culture that embraces dignity and respect, as well as recognising and valuing differences.
  5. To identify and highlight examples of best practise from other forces in areas of policy, procedure, training and operational policing and share this with staff.
  6. To be consulted in and contribute to the policy making processes within Warwickshire police at both a strategic and tactical level.
  7. To contribute to the continuous professional development of all staff, promoting training and education.
  8. To raise awareness of issues relating to Gender that affect members of staff.
  9. To provide ongoing advice, guidance and support to all members.

Membership:

  1. Full membership is open to all police officers, police staff, Special Constables, PCSO’s and volunteers within Warwickshire police.
  2. The steering committee will consist of representatives from all groups within the organisation.
  3. Election to the steering group will be done on a bi-annual basis.
  4. The steering group shall consist of a chair and vice-chair.
  5. Associate membership is open to members of Warwickshire police authority.

Meetings:

  1. Meetings of the steering group will meet a minimum of twice a year.
  2. An extra-ordinary meeting may be convened if required. For these meetings members of the steering group will be given at least seven days notice.
  3. The steering group shall have at least five members present for a quorum and for any voting decision to stand.
  4. The constitution will be reviewed annually.

Sponsor

The group sponsor is the Assistant Chief Constable with responsibility for Diversity.

Caveat For Name of group:
Work is still being completed on a name for the Gender Support Group that encompasses all that the group is aiming to achieve. The group reserve the right to amend the name following any majority vote by the steering group.

Caveat for approaches made by staff:
Members of the Gender Support Group will offer confidential help, support and advice to anyone. This will be done on the understanding that the advice is non-expert and the group, Warwickshire police and police authority accepts no liability for advice given.

Any disclosure that may expose any person to risk of harm or involves matters of a disciplinary or criminal nature may not remain confidential and any be reported through official channels.