From my own experience I can vouch for the Constabularies Inclusivity, I am an amputee, I lost my right arm due to being knocked down by a stolen motor vehicle in 2007.  From the very first day to now the Constabulary have supported me, what they have done well is provide the support when I’ve needed it, but also not given me special treatment, I have gained the rank of Chief Inspector through merit and merit alone.

The biggest compliment I can pay my organisation is that they have never placed any barriers in my way when seeking development and progression.  I am a Silver Public Order Commander, Tactical Firearms Commander and Head of Criminal Justice, my organisation sees past disability, their interest is ability, no matter what your ethnic background, disability or sexual orientation, if you can do the job, you’ll be supported to achieve it.

My profile picture is me 20 years ago, I still have that sense of pride in the uniform I wear, my organisation and keeping people safe in my home county still gives me that sense of pride and smile (most days)!

When I joined I wasn’t really aware  there were other LGBT+ officers and staff within the organisation, the network was quite limited,  I wasn’t able to be myself,  now we have an open network and employees are able to  feel confident and safe in the workplace.  A buddy system has recently been introduced which is another essential form of support, there’s no better way of supporting a person than having lived experiences both in the workplace and personal life, giving someone the confidence to be their true selves.   Speaking to fellow colleagues about my journey, giving an open and honest account of the ups and downs faced both in my career and personal life has been beneficial to the organisation, people have a better understanding of others challenges. My force allows me to open and supportive in doing this.

There are officers and staff who do question,  struggle with  their sexual orientation, having and employer who supports their staff and the network means those employees can feel included, listened to and confident  they won’t be discriminated against and can be their  true authentic selves. This will also be represented to the communities we serve from ethnic background, sexual orientation or disability.

Helping just one person feel wanted, safe, understood is a job well done and this is why I am proud to work for Cumbria Constabulary as they do all of the above. The  photo is taken from Manchester pride in 2019, the photo says it all for me.

I’m pleased to say that nearly 2 decades on, things look and feel very different again but this time for all the right reasons! I am the current Chairperson of the multicultural police association (CCMPA) and I host a membership of around 30 people who are police officers and staff and that number is growing. The CCMPA is a support network which is available to all regardless of Race or Ethnicity and the aim is to support colleagues from minority ethnic backgrounds and also support the organisation moving forward to ensure that it continues to remain an inclusive place. I have really noted a shift in emphasis through the recruitment process which is attracting a delivering more diversity through its activities with underrepresented groups. I am thrilled with this approach because it is changing the composition of the force and is bringing with it diversity of thought. I am now in a position where I can have arduous conversations with the senior leadership team who really listen and are determined to ensure they deliver an environment which allows people to be their authentic selves and bring the ‘full person to work’. I am now able to place my prayer mat down in the offices when it comes to practicing my faith because no one bats an eye lid and it doesn’t feel out of place. The Constabulary has also invested heavily in its retention and development of underrepresented staff through the implementation of its buddy and bespoke CPD programmes which adds value to those officers and staff who ordinarily would have sought to fit in and blend into the backgrounds. I believe that this has been that catalyst for the environment me and my members find ourselves in today where we are ‘not just surviving…… we are thriving!’