Support Networks

West Mercia Police recognises the benefit of staff sharing ideas and experiences, both personal and professional, with colleagues within the force. In addition to the recognised staff associations – the Police Federation, Unison and the Superintendents Association – the force has established internal support networks  to offer advice and guidance, and also provide information and practical assistance to any member of staff who feels they want or need it.

Black and Minority Ethnic Staff

MERGe was formed in July 2004 to provide black and minority ethnic staff with an internal support network for any issues or concerns regarding race and diversity.

Within West Mercia Police as well as the wider community, MERGe aims to:

• Promote good race relations,
• Promote equality of opportunity,
• Eliminate unlawful discrimination.

Staff with Disabilities

The disAbility Network exists for all staff within West Mercia. It aims to work closely with staff associations to improve the quality of service for all. Meetings are held during the year and provide an independent forum for staff to discuss work-based issues on disability and to look at the practical options and actions needed to help resolve these issues.

Any member of staff is welcome to attend meetings regardless of whether they have a disability, however they are particularly aimed at staff who:

• Have or had temporary or permanent disabilities,
• Are caring for dependants with disabilities,
• Have a health condition,
• Have had reasonable adjustments made at work,
• Fall under the definition of the Disability Discrimination Act.

Women

In April 2004, West Mercia Police launched its Women’s Network.

The network aims to:

• Provide support for all women and facilitate them to fulfil their potential,
• Work with others to progress diversity issues.

This network was formed because:

• It has taken 20 years for women officer numbers to move from 8% to 24% of total police officer numbers,
• Female representation in higher ranks and specialist departments remains an area of concern,
• Of the need and desire to develop an environment where potential can be maximised,
• Women with invaluable experience and expertise were not being retained.

West Mercia also has a Maternity Support Network which provides assistance and support to women during pregnancy, maternity leave and upon their return to work. This network also aims to provide collective advice and support in relation to paternity issues, adoptive parenting and fertility treatment.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans Staff

LINK was established in November 2005 to provide a resource network for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans staff.

The terms of reference of the group are to:

• Gain equal opportunities in policies and procedures through consultation,
• Offer confidential advice/support to staff and supervisors,
• Improve relations between West Mercia Police and people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans,
• Create an improved working environment,
• Provide a choice of openness,
• Forge links with other staff groups,
• Develop confidence in challenging inappropriate behaviour,
• Participate in local events, e.g. gay pride, force open days,
• Forge links with local LGBT communities and neighbouring force LGBT groups.

The LINK group works closely with West Mercia Police’s Gay Police Association (GPA). Formed in 1990, the GPA was set up to provide a network to remove the feelings of isolation experienced by many lesbian and gay personnel.

The GPA aims to:

• Work towards equal opportunities for lesbian and gay police service employees,
• Offer advice and support to those employees,
• Work towards better relations between the police service and the gay community.

The GPA provides a 24 hour, confidential action-line (Tel. 07092 700 000) to assist and offer support, with provision of a first contact officer where necessary to assist in resolving grievances and personal situations confidentially. The GPA will also provide appropriate contacts for relevant welfare or counselling agencies if required.