Listening circles empower female officers and staff to help drive change

23 March 2023

Listening circles for female officers and staff to share their experiences and concerns in confidence to influence change within the City of London Police are still underway one year on, thanks to the dedication of a Fed rep.

Sergeant Sejal Reed is helping to make a difference after joining the force’s new portfolio, Professionalism and Trust, in response to recent high-profile events which has brought misogyny and violence against women and girls to the fore.

Recommendations from the National VAWG Action Plan highlighted a need for change through policing to address concerns of women within policing as well as the public.

“It was identified there was a need to listen to our female employees and empower the workforce to share their experiences and ideas to find effective solutions from these discussions,” explained Sejal.

The meetings, which are off force premises with funding and support from insurance company Gallagher, provide a safe space for colleagues to discuss any issues they have faced during their career, and to acknowledge any positive interactions.

Sejal then identifies the main themes from the listening circles along with solutions before the information is relayed to the force’s Trust and Confidence Board which oversee policies and practices. All information presented is anonymous and unattributed.

Change is then driven through workstream leads across the force to ensure all areas of work are involved and there is a consistent approach to any learning and change.

The welfare of attendees is also looked after as she checks in on each of them, whether it be a phone call or a face-to-face chat, following the sessions which may cause them to relive some difficult experiences.

On some occasions it is apparent officers need an occupational health referral, but do not feel comfortable with approaching their manager to arrange for various reasons, but Sejal in her capacity as a rep arranges this.

“I know there are processes, however, if one of our employees need support, my main aim is to ensure their needs and concerns are addressed and signpost them to support groups,” she continued.

“It is about providing a psychologically safe space, so there was a lot of work in the run up to this to get everyone’s buy in. I also make sure any questions from managers are directed to me and not the attendee, so we are safeguarding their confidentially and making them feel secure.”

The blueprint for listening circles could be replicated for the Race Action Plan, improving outcomes for the people who work within policing, as well as the public. The City of London Corporation, has also expressed interest in implementing it for its staff.

The model was also shared with the National Police Chiefs’ Council to encourage other forces to consider and in 2022 it was highlighted as best practice by the international HeForShe movement.

“The aim is to design a blueprint which can be used for any areas of concern within departments and teams. The model will be the same in terms of how the sessions are ran and how we ensure confidentiality and filter the learning back into the force.

“We also want to take this outside to the business communities in the City and also residential, so we can hold listening circles with members of the public,” she concluded.

Sejal joined City of London Police in 2007 and spent part of her career in the Met before returning to the City, specialising in community policing and partnerships. She has also been a Fed rep for just over two years and leads on professional development.

Find out more information here.