LIFE ON MARS? NOT IN CHESHIRE

Ruth McNeil, Chairman of the Authority’s Staff Committee said “I was delighted with the news contained in a report today which reveals that the number of females across all ranks of the police service in Cheshire has increased over the last six years and that the women are now more able to progress to senior ranks. As often seen on TV, women police officers often worked in the ‘softer’ roles in policing. Long gone are the days of the Family and Children’s Unit, staffed mainly by female officers and we now see women regularly working in what used to be male dominated roles such as detectives, firearms, and public order. Excellent progress has been made by the Constabulary to ensure that women have an equal place in the police service. The Authority will continue to support the Constabulary in developing all officers and staff.” 

The Constabulary has been working with female staff to identify the potential barriers to development and progression and we know that nationally in the Police Service there is an imbalance of senior females progressing through the ranks.

Some time ago, the Constabulary recognised this national issue and held workshops and focus groups with women to understand the issues they felt they were having at work. The women identified barriers such as their need for more flexible working arrangements, difficulties in applying for specialist roles, and training and development needs. In particular, there was a need to build women’s confidence and to help them to take advantage of the available support.

As a result, a number of solutions to address these areas were introduced such as the Cheshire Women’s Network, a ‘Women in Action’ initiative which helped females to develop their skills and abilities and a ‘Springboard’ programme which encourages participants to feel more confident both professionally and personally. A mentoring scheme was introduced as a positive action initiative for minority groups in the Constabulary.

Cheshire Constabulary currently employs just over 2100 police officers (27% are female).