Proud to be: Our journey, from Race to REACH
Reflections on the journey of our REACH (Race, Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage) Network and, what we’re ‘proud to be’.
In the Ministry of Defence Police, we are proud of the work that our staff networks do to support our people and to help us understand and grow as an organisation.
With ‘Proud To Be’ as the theme for this month’s Black History Month, we focus on the role and journey of our REACH (Race, Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage) Network over the past year.
Network members and allies tell us what they’re proud to be, demonstrating that we’re all making history, all the time in our own ways, and that history extends from the past into the present.
The network’s journey
Following in the footsteps of the former Ministry of Defence Police and Guarding Agency, ‘Agency Support group for Minority Ethnic’ (AS-ME) staff, the Force re-established a Race Network in 2019.
Since last year the role and work of the network has gained momentum and prominence within the MDP, following the global resurgence in 2020 of calls to end racial disparities in all areas of life. This opened the door for unprecedented and authentic conversations on race which have generated developments in diversity and inclusion across the Force, and within Defence and the Civil Service.
What’s in a name…?
Earlier this year, the MDP Race Network reviewed its name, in relation to a wider review and work within Defence to develop guidance on use of inclusive language.
The network contributed to the guidance and made a Committee decision to change their name to REACH — an acronym for ‘Race, Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage’.
This followed research by the Lead Advocate, at that time Chief Superintendent Dave Pawley, and Committee members, to consider a name that was more inclusive and reflective of all aspects of race, ethnicity and cultural backgrounds.
The work and role of the MDP REACH Network
After the renaming of the network, an Action Plan was developed by the Lead Advocate, and Committee member Princess, to assist in succession planning and provide a focus for the network’s activity, in support of the MDP’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The Action Plan was based on seven guiding principles – to support, inform, celebrate, consult, engage, inspire and stay current.
By helping to connect, inspire, support and engage our people, the network have been encouraging visible role models to step forward and share their experiences.
Through this approach they can then advise senior managers, to ensure that real and current experiences and issues are considered when shaping our policies.
Proud to be…
Speaking ahead of Black History Month and following the REACH Network’s first Annual General Meeting, held at MDP HQ and online in September, members explained why they were proud to be playing their part in continuing to build a diverse and inclusive working environment for everyone in the MDP.
MDP Race Champion, Assistant Chief Constable Andrea Bishop: “Black History Month this year is all about inviting people to share what they are ‘Proud to be.’ Here at the MDP, I am proud of the excellent work that is taking place within the Force REACH (Race, Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage)Network and from a wider Force perspective, to recognise that we are all unique as individuals.
“We collectively support and encourage all our police officers and staff to be the best they can be, and to thrive in an inclusive environment that celebrates our rich differences.”
MDP REACH Chair, Moses: “We’re proud to provide support and a safe space for staff to share their experiences and any issues or concerns they may have, ensuring that their voices are heard and that everyone feels included and comfortable in the workplace.”
“Inclusion is what brings equality and diversity together and makes them work. It’s the culture that enables a diverse workforce to flourish, and on a practical level, it’s about involving and appreciating one another.
“Members of the network are all volunteers with busy jobs to do, and I’m really proud of everything that we have achieved together, to support and progress diversity and inclusion in the MDP.”
MDP REACH Vice Chair, Shaz: “I’m proud to be actively involved in advocating Diversity and Inclusion in the MDP, through the work of the REACH Network, supporting colleagues and helping our organisation to grow and develop, through openness, awareness, and shared experiences.
“Our work over the past year has included a buddy scheme where we have provided support to those joining the Force. We have also organised lots of events with speakers from the REACH Network, and from within policing and Defence, to generate meaningful conversation and new ways of thinking and understanding on issues and experiences in relation to race, ethnicity, and cultural heritage.”
MDP REACH Communications and Engagement Officer, Feroza: “I’m proud of the way that we have worked collaboratively with our colleagues
within Defence, policing, and the Civil Service to share our lived experiences and help break down barriers in understanding our differences.
“By having open and honest conversations, we show how all our individual differences enrich the work of the organisation, and that people who feel they can be their authentic selves are better able to achieve their full potential.”
Reflecting on Black History Month and their close work with MDP REACH, our Head of Corporate Services, Force Welfare Officer and Resourcing Manager share their ‘proud to be’ thoughts, as network allies.
Head of MDP Corporate Services, Senior Civil Servant, Justin Oliver: “It’s so important to remember that appreciating the history of people from the Black community should never be simply about one month in the year, but a reminder of daily contributions and experiences, be those on a personal level, within wider UK society or in the workplace.
“With the theme for this year’s Black History Month, it is quite rightly about taking pride in those contributions and celebrating the importance of how diversity of thought, attitude and achievement can influence how we can be a better society and, as employers, provide a better place to work.
“To grow and develop as an organisation it is essential that we recognise everybody’s individual differences and the value those differences bring, be that in our critical role in protecting Defence people and the wider public from harm, or as part of a duty of care to our own staff.
“The REACH Network are without doubt making a positive impact across the MDP and they should be proud to be making a difference. I thank everyone involved for their continued help and support.”
Force Welfare Officer, Claire: “I have strong links with all our staff networks, and I am proud to be able to ‘reach’ out for their input when considering welfare responses to individuals.
“I have watched with enormous pride at how the role of our REACH Network has grown into what it is today, enriching the workforce and giving real-life guidance on how we can better understand our diversity, and support inclusivity throughout our work and decision-making.”
MDP Resourcing Manager, Michelle: “Ensuring fairness and inclusivity for everyone who applies to join the MDP, is of paramount importance to the work of my team. We liaise closely and engage with all staff networks, to ensure we provide appropriate support to everyone coming through the recruitment process.
“I am proud to work with the REACH Network, to highlight and promote the importance of a diverse workforce, and how we are an inclusive and supportive organisation, to potential new employees.”
More information
We value difference in our force with a difference and we are committed to continue building a workforce that better represents the communities we serve. In the year that we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we’re proud to feature on the Black History Month Diversity Dashboard.
Visit www.mod.police.uk, to find out more about a future career with us.
Coming soon… During Black History Month we’ll be sharing more from our people, past and present, on what they’re ‘proud to be’.
