Staff support groups play a very important part in the organisation, enabling staff and officers from under-represented groups to have their voices heard at all levels of the organisation. They also assist the force in consulting with and involving staff in a variety of issues including strategic decision making, enabling the Force to fully engage with staff and raise awareness of issues.
Staff Equality Forum
The Staff Equality Forum (SEF) meets on a bi-monthly basis and is made up of individuals representing internal groups and associations. The SEF is not a replacement for these individual groups but it complements them and enables sharing of experiences and best practice.
The aims of the SEF are:
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To provide a formal internal consultation and engagement between the independent staff associations, networks and Cleveland Police to consult on equality and diversity issues;
- To act as a ‘critical friend’ to Cleveland Police in respect of equality and diversity issues;
- To act as one conduit to bring appropriate equality and diversity issues raised by networks and staff to the attention of the Deputy Chief Constable and other groups;
- To provide a forum to share experiences across internal groups and allow collaboration on developing common working practices and solutions where appropriate.
LGB Support Network
The Cleveland Police LGB Support Network is a confidential support group run by gay, lesbian and bisexual employees for gay, lesbian and bisexual employees. The intention of the group is to engender an inclusive working environment in collaboration with the Executive and Staff Associations.
Disability Support Network
The Cleveland Police Disability Support Network aims to provide information and advice to employees who have a disability, impairment or medical condition. We are also open to those without a disability, impairment or medical condition, but have caring responsibilities, or would like to increase their awareness on disability issues.
Black Police Association
The aim of Cleveland Black Police Association is to be an effective support network for the benefit of all Visible Ethnic Minority staff (VEM) within the Force, to contribute to Force policies and strategies thus helping to ensure that there is equality of opportunity within Cleveland Police for all of its staff and to enhance relationships with the ethnic minority communities.
Gay Police Association
The GPA is a non-statutory staff association which represents the needs and interests of gay men and women in the British police service. Although the GPA does not believe that all gay personnel should be 'out' at work, they do believe that those who wish to be open about being gay in the workplace should be able to do so with dignity, respect and not be disadvantaged as a result.
Christian Police Association
The CPA is a registered charity and provides a focus for fellowship and support for police officers and staff of any Christian denomination. Of course, CPA members are glad to offer friendship and support to all colleagues, no matter what beliefs they hold. The local branch enjoys regular monthly fellowship, prayer and worship evenings – which include both serving and retired officers, PCSOs, support staff and their families; with regular lunchtime prayer sessions (with an open invitation to all) planned.
Trans Police Association
The TPA represents and supports people with gender identity issues within the police service including, but not exclusively, trans men, trans women, people who identify as transgender, androgynous or intersex. The TPA also gives support to people who identify as transvestites as well as anyone within the police service who are dealing with people with a gender identity issue, whether a colleague, family member or member of the public involved in a police matter. The TPA aspires to speak on behalf of the wider Trans community on police related matters, and to help foster better relations between the UK Police Service and the Trans community as a whole.
Police Pagan Association
The PPA aims to support seving and retired police officers and staff who follow a Pagan faith, whilst raising awareness of pagan issues within the police service. The aim is to enhance the relationship between the police service and the Pagan community, allowing for better recruitment and retention of those following a Pagan faith. As with all aspects of Paganism the PPA is not exclusively for Pagans and will endeavour to work with other agencies and associations in the interest of the cmmunity. All activities undertaken by the PPA support the reinforce the vision and values of the police service, whilst upholding the Home Office standards for equality and diversity.
Unison
Unison is therecognisedunion within Cleveland Police. It endeavours to ensure the fair and equal treatment of all staff and undertakes work to eliminate discrimination on the ground of race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexuality, religion, physical and learning disabilities. It takes a pro-active stance, working in partnership with Cleveland Police and its staff to introduce new diversity and equality initiatives.
Police Federation
The Police Federation of England and Wales is the representative body of constables, sergeants and inspector ranks in the police forces in England and Wales. It is committed to the elimination of unfair discrimination on the grounds of gender, family status, age, race, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, religion, disabled status, or any other unjustifiable condition. In partnership with others it works to promote equality and diversity for all.
