Inspiring Inclusion: Women’s Development Day
The Thames Valley Women’s Network (TVWN) recently hosted its annual Development Day under the 2024 theme “Inspire Inclusion”. The event brought together members and guests for a day of insightful discussions and recognition aimed at celebrating the valuable contribution women make within the force.
The day started with a warm welcome from Deputy Chief Constable Ben Snuggs, who set the tone for the event with his encouraging remarks on the importance of inclusivity and empowerment within policing.
An engaging keynote speech was delivered by guest speaker Lee Chambers, Chief Psychologist and Director of Essentialise Workplace Wellbeing and Male Allies UK; he shared how his own life experience led to a change of career direction placing importance on workplace wellbeing and the crucial role of male allies in promoting gender equality. It was great to have our own male allies present, with members of the TV Men’s Forum on hand to support the day.
HM Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, Marjorie Neasham Glasgow, who shared perspectives on her significant role and the importance of appreciation and female leadership in the community.
The highlight of the day each year is the Chair’s Award’s, presented to deserving recipients by Detective Superintendent Lis Knight, Chair of the Women’s Network. This year we celebrated the significant contributions of officers, staff members and volunteers and it was great to see such a wide range of departments represented:
- Kay Hannam (Forensics) – Leadership Award
- DI Clair Trueman (SEROCU) – Excellence in Performance
- Rachel Keys (Contact Management) – Inspirational Woman Award
- Tracey Dunk (Dog Section) – Outstanding Contribution Award
- Laura Mabbott (MOSOVO) – Coaching and Mentoring Award
- Holly Rivett (Crime & Criminal Justice) – Police Staff Member of the year Award
- Barbara Taylor (Henley NHPT) – Police Officer of the Year Award.
- Dorothy Reeves- Volunteer of the Year Award
- T/Supt Andy Alexander- Special Recognition Award
Two interactive breakout workshops allowed members to get involved, with discussions on the future activity of the network as well as considering what the police force of the future might look like for women in 2050.
The annual Development Day was not only an opportunity for learning and reflection but also a testament to the commitment of the network in connecting, supporting and inspiring women within the force to be the best they can be, working together to protect our communities, events like these serve as catalysts for positive change and progress.
TVWN is just one of several staff support networks within TVP, including the Men’s Forum, Enable Disability and Carers Network, Thames Valley LGBT+ Police Network, and SAME, among others. Our Staff Support Networks provide advice and support on a range of issues to their members, or anyone working for TVP who requests help. They act as a critical friend to the organization, championing improvements to policies and practices that enhance the working lives of those within the force. The networks work together to support our force in its goals for diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing. To learn more, please visit our Supporting You – TVP Careers.
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If you’ve been inspired to consider a future in policing, explore the rest of TVP Careers website to find out more about the opportunities available within our force. Start a career that matters today.
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