THAMES Valley Police have been given “leader” status accreditation for disability confidence.
The Disability Confident scheme recognises organisations which seek to challenge attitudes and increase understanding of disability, and ensure that people with different abilities have opportunities can fulfil their potential.
It sees three levels of accreditation, working up from committed to employer, and finally to leader status.
After an independent assessment by the Department of Work and Pensions, TVP have now been given level three accreditation, and leader status.
This means that as well as continuing to include people with disabilities in its workforce, it will also publish reports on disability, mental health, and wellbeing of its employees through a voluntary reporting framework.
As part of its accreditation, Thames Valley Police has committed to inclusive and accessible recruitment, as well as providing reasonable adjustments and supporting existing employees.
Chief Constable John Campbell said: “We are extremely proud of achieving this accreditation well ahead of the January 2023 deadline set by the National Police Chiefs Council’s Purple Space Report. “
“It is testament to the hard work and focus that has gone into enhancing our practices and procedures. We remain committed to being a Force that recognises and supports colleagues with disabilities.”
The announcement comes after TVP implemented its new “people strategy” which laid out its commitments to improving the work environment all staff.
The organisation attained level one accreditation in 2018, since which it instigated a number of processes to ensure reasonable adjustments and the meeting of workplace needs for employees.
In a post to the Thames Valley Police website, the organisation said that the accreditation was the result of a collaboration between their People Directorate department, UNISON, and the Police Federation.
