Employee support networks
Disability Awareness Network (DAWN)
DAWN's mission is to provide an information, awareness and support network to all Nottinghamshire Police employees, past, present and future who support the aims of the network.
Membership is open to police officers, police staff, special constables, carers or volunteers with or without a disability who support the aims of the network and have an interest in issues concerning disability.
Our aims include a responsibility to ensure equality of opportunity for everyone within Nottinghamshire Police connected with disability regardless of whether they are a carer, a person with a disability, a person disabled by their surroundings, uniformed, staff, male, female, whatever their colour, religion, nationality, national origin, cultural or ethnic background, gay or heterosexual, old or young. Disability in itself discriminates against no one, has no boundaries and can affect anyone at any time.
In addition to our aims, members of DAWN have a responsibility to challenge unfair perceptions about what it means to be “disabled” and bring awareness where ignorance and prejudice may exist.
Along with our fellow networks, we are consulted on policies affecting the Force and support the two-ticks initiative which in itself supports the retention of employees who become disabled during the course of their work life. This initiative also requires Nottinghamshire Police to give equality of opportunity to every employee, prospective or existing, and to ensure that no one is disadvantaged when applying for employment, transfer or promotion.
DAWN consists of a dedicated group who have embraced this opportunity to work towards equality of opportunity for staff with disabilities and to raise awareness of the issues surrounding disability within the Force.
We can be contacted in confidence on 0115 840 7814 Ext. 9728 during office hours or by email to diswkgp@nottinghamshire.pnn.police.uk
Nottinghamshire Black Police Association (BPA)
Nottinghamshire BPA’s main objective is to seek to improve the working environment of black staff members employed within Nottinghamshire Police by protecting the rights of those employed within the police service.
The BPA provides advice, support and guidance in terms of strategic direction and policy development and assists with addressing issues affecting the wider community. The association also helps the police service enhance racial harmony and the equality of service to the county’s black community. BPA membership is open to anybody who subscribes to the above aims and objectives.
Download the Notts BPA 3-5 year Strategy Plan.
For more information visit the Notts BPA website, call 0115 967 2574 or email nottsbpa@nottsbpa.com
OUTnetwork
The OUTnetwork is Nottinghamshire Police’s lesbian, gay and bisexual support network. The network was established to offer advice and support to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.
We also advise the organisation on issues relating to recruitment, retention, training and career progression of all staff. Our group is made up of volunteers, who are officers and staff of various ranks who all identify as gay or bisexual and have a wide range of life experiences.
We recognise that sexuality is private. We know that for some gay or bisexual people, coming ‘out’ is a big step, and we can support them to feel more confident about it. The network also consults widely with the gay community.
For more information about the OUTnetwork, call 07879 890 041 or email:OUTnetwork@nottinghamshire.pnn.police.uk
Women’s Integrated Network (WIN)
As the female support service for Nottinghamshire Police, the Women’s Integrated Network (WIN) aims to enhance career opportunities for women by working with specialised departments and providing specific courses, as well as one-to-one friendly advice and guidance.
Representatives from the network also help to shape Force policy and provide a ‘family-friendly’ voice on policy-making boards and promote work-life balance initiatives. If you would like to know more about WIN please contact us by email at win@nottinghamshire.pnn.police.uk