Senior Women in Policing Conference

Excellence Through Difference 

The role of women as leaders in policing has never been more important in providing a female perspective. During this conference the theme of ‘Excellence through Difference’will be explored with the aim of creating a policing environment in which women and men from all backgrounds are empowered to make a lasting difference to their organisations, their communities and themselves.

Is the police service of the 21^st century multi-cultural, with a diverse and balanced workforce, which enables equality of opportunity for all? A quick glance at the history of human rights shows equality and diversity lagging behind throughout meaning that the benefits are yet to be realised:-

• 1829 – Sir Robert Peel set the principles for policing, utilising a wholly male workforce, that still apply today
• 1915 – the first women police officers attested as Constable
• 1948 – the year in which the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted
• 1967 – the introduction of women’s rights – 45 years after their male counterparts
• 1968 – after the mass migration of Kenyan Asians into the UK; Enoch Powell made his infamous ‘rivers of blood’ speech and the first Race Relations Act came into force.
• 1993 – the death of Stephen Lawrence, shaped the landscape for policing, race relations and equality today.

Progress in many areas has been made, however, equality of opportunity, gender parity and achieving a representative workforce continue to be globally debated concerns.

In championing work towards achieving Excellence through Difference, this conference will seek to provoke discussion on how we achieve and support a diverse workforce to:-

• create a tangible and sustainable difference in how people from diverse backgrounds are involved with policing
• inspire equality within the workplace
• reflect the diversity of our communities
• ensure a legitimate and representative police service
• to create an environment within the criminal justice system that understands and supports those in our society who are most vulnerable 

Conference delegates will learn more about HeForShe, the United Nations women solidarity movement for gender equality. This initiative calls upon men and boys to stand up against the persisting inequalities faced by women and girls globally.

This solidarity movement strengthens support for women’s rights by enlisting the assistance of men and inspiring them to put themselves forward as advocates for gender equality. Sussex and Surrey Police have demonstrated their commitment in support of HeForShe as UN Thematic Champions.

All speakers at the conference will promote discussion and learning so that delegates can further the ambition to achieve Excellence through Difference.

Who Should Attend This Conference? 

This conference is aimed at senior women and men from policing, representatives from other emergency services and partner agencies from around the UK. The conference is also open to other influential organisations from around the UK and potential leaders of the future.

Recognising that equality of opportunity, gender parity and a representative workforce are not just issues faced by the police service this conference is also open to representatives from partner organisations, blue light agencies and other interested, influential organisations.