Thames Valley Police continue efforts to tackle gender inequality in the force

Thames Valley Police (TVP) have come together with forces from across the UK as part of the international gender equality campaign – HeForShe.

Over the past five years, all UK police forces have been signed up to the UN Women’s initiative and are working together to solve gender inequalities found within policing and to work to combat domestic abuse and sexual abuse in society.

The HeForShe movement seeks to engage men, and people of all genders, to stand in solidarity with women to create a united force for gender equality.

Data from 2021 shows that 35.7% of TVP police officers are women – and just 26.7% of senior officers are women.

The event at the Kia Oval Conference Centre, Kennington in London - hosted by the National Crime Agency (NCA) - was held to share good practice and refresh the UK forces’ HeForShe commitments, in recognition of the progress made so far.

It also provided updates on three new commitments, agreed with the UN.

The first is to address the gender imbalances in middle management teams within police forces, in particular the ranks of Sergeants and Inspectors.

The second is to address and remove the sexism and misogyny, where it exists, in police culture.

And finally, support the annual reporting of gender equality information.

Chief Inspector Stewart Codling attended for Thames Valley Police and said:

“I was really proud to attend the 2022 HeForShe National Commitment Event which resulted in the renewal by all UK forces to take action to improve Gender Equality within policing.

“Thames Valley Police has been at the forefront of the campaign, using rolling 6 monthly action plans to conduct targeted activity in key areas, specifically increasing the number of allies across the force, and supporting and challenging male behaviours.

“We hosted our first ‘An audience with…’ session last month where Kelly Lindsey challenged us to understand our privileges and use them positively, to shout louder about the issue and be genuine and credible.

“We continue with renewed vigour looking at those Sergeant and Inspector ranks to support the force in identifying and eradicating any blockages to our talented female workforce”