Evolve at Sussex Police

What is Evolve?

Evolve, the Sussex Police Gender Equality Network offers professional support and guidance primarily to the women officers and staff of Sussex Police.

You may wonder at the necessity for a professional network group of this nature in 21st Century Policing. Officers regardless of gender have the same pay and conditions, undertake similar roles and so on.

However, it is apparent that there remain issues for which female officers and staff require professional support in the workplace – from career progression to maintaining women in all roles within the organisation and also in relation to personal life events that can impact on careers, such as pregnancy, maternity, part time / flexible working, and the menopause.

Being part of Evolve, however isn’t exclusive to female employees. If true gender equality is to be achieved, not just within Sussex Police but also for the communities that we serve, for all women who live, work and visit Sussex, then it is important that our male colleagues work with us to ensure that we have a diverse work force which prioritises service delivery.

What does Evolve involve? 

• Evolve Awards 2016/17 recognised women in a broad range of categories: Leadership, Excellence in Performance, Mentoring, Bravery, Volunteering and Inspiration
• Interview workshop held for individuals who identify with under-represented groups: BME, LGBT, female, disability ahead of PC to Sergeant promotion process
• Support for fitness tests – practice sessions, hints and tips for getting through it on the day, and help with training plans where needed
• Bi-annual Evolve conference