Sussex Police LGBT Network

Welcome to the Sussex Police LGBT Network

Our goal is to help create an environment within the workplace where there is no longer a need for us to exist. We are a support organisation that specifically represents the needs and interests of gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans employees and volunteers throughout Sussex Police.

We appreciate that we are not there yet, that many of our colleagues still experience situations that are challenging to deal with and that these arise as a direct consequence of their sexual orientation or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. Utilising the experience that exists within the membership, the LGBT Network seeks to offer support, advice and guidance.

The Executive Committee intend to be the driving force behind this initiative and we extend an open offer to any member of staff, even if you are not a member, to contact us for help and assistance. Alternatively our generic email address is available: [email protected]. We do appreciate the sensitive nature of some of these issues and adhere to a strict confidentiality code in all dealings with members and non-members.

The LGBT Network's aims and objectives are:

• To support, monitor and provide feedback on the organisation’s responsibility and activities to achieve a diverse workforce and providing equal opportunities for gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans employees and volunteers.
• To actively promote and foster a positive workplace culture for all employees and volunteers in line with the Sussex Police values, challenging instances where this does not occur.
• To support the organisation’s goals to maintain and develop good relations between the police service and gay and trans communities.
• To maintain and develop effective working relationships with other staff associations and trade unions.
• To encourage LGBT social networking opportunities.

The Sussex Police LGBT Network objectives are to:

• Provide support, advice and guidance to any employees on sexual orientation and gender identity issues
• To actively promote and foster positive working environments for all employees in line with Sussex Police Code of Ethics. This initiative is intended to support the LGBT Network's objectives and give all members of staff the additional option of speaking with someone, in confidence.

What are Workplace Points Of Contact? 

The workplace points of contact are individuals who have volunteered to be visible, approachable and willing to support any colleague who needs advice, support or guidance. This may be on a variety of issues (for example, homophobic, biphobic or transphobic bullying or harassment – in line with the Equality & Diversity Policy) and the support may be signposting others who can help or suggesting possible courses of action.

Workplace Points of Contact do not replace any existing representative groups such as Unison, Police Federation, Employee Assistance Programme etc. but is an additional point of contact. Some of the WPOC’s have personal experience that they can utilise or a particular area of expertise that may assist you. They will also act as a conduit for information from the LGBT Network to members of staff.

These volunteers are saying “I am willing to be approached and spoken with, if you think I can assist.”

As with other staff associations, members of the LGBT Network have an agreement in place with the force which gives them dispensation to use normal duty time where necessary in order to facilitate their contribution to fostering positive relationships both internally and externally. This is a really important acknowledgement by the force of the importance and value of the work done by the staff associations and allows members to balance their normal roles, membership duties and personal lives.

LGBT network provides access to points of contact and other resources to support members.