Thames Valley Police achieves Disability Confident Level Three ‘Leader’ accreditation

Thames Valley Police (TVP) is proud to have been accredited as Disability Confident Level Three ‘Leader’ status, following validation from an independent assessor of the Government’s Department of Work & Pensions (DWP).

The assessor commented “The immense amount of work that has gone into this application is brilliant, the evidence submissions have been fantastic and I am in no doubt that TVP are doing all they can to support colleagues with a disability and that this work will continue to move forward.”

Last year TVP announced its new People Strategy, a commitment to improving the work environment for all officers, staff and volunteers, including those with a disability, which has been a key priority.

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 force has progressed from its Disability Confident Level One ‘Committed’ in 2018 with workplace enhancements including the establishment of a robust Reasonable Adjustments Management Process (RAMP) and Workplace Needs Assessment process.

Work has been collaborative across TVP’s People Directorate department and with UNISON and Police Federation heavily involved. Several teams introduced enhancements including: Health & Safety who provide a dedicated 1:1 DSE support, Recruitment launched a ‘Guaranteed Interview Scheme’ for all candidates with a disability who meet the minimum application criteria, and the Information and Communication Technology department (ICT) has been instrumental in developing a new Reasonable Adjustments Portal where specialist IT equipment and aids can be ordered for those that need them.

The Welfare and Wellbeing of our officers, staff and volunteers is vital in ensuring we deliver a good service to our communities. Our TVP People Directorate department has well-established Wellbeing and Occupational Health teams. The force introduced a Disability Matters Board, which provides opportunity for feedback across the force and works to develop new policies and procedures, this is in addition to a very active Disabled Staff Network, Autism Staff Network and issue-specific Buddy Groups all of which provide staff support, are peer-led, run by volunteers outside of their core duties.

You can find more information about the support we offer to all our colleagues on our TVP Careers website, on the Supporting You page.