Race Equality Network chair encourages involvement from members

14 November 2024

The chair of Derbyshire Police’s Race Equality Network (REN) is seeking to strengthen the network and is encouraging Federation members to get involved.

REN aims to support its members and improve their working environment, acting as a critical friend to the Force and helping it identify and resolve issues which may affect BAME colleagues and the communities it serves.

Maz Ahmad, REN chair, is looking for people from different backgrounds, in varying roles, and with different experiences in the organisation to help with its work.

He said: “Over the past couple of years a lot of people on the exec have retired and left the organisation and we haven’t had the opportunity to replace them.

 

Maz Ahmad, REN chair.

 

“We’ve got to rebuild our exec team and our membership so that we are able to provide support to both our members and the force.

“There are a lot of opportunities for people to get involved.

“It’s great to have a group of people who are available and willing to support others.

Diverse

“As a police staff member I don’t always fully understand the issues around what police officers experience, which is why we need people from a variety of roles and with different experiences in the REN.”

Maz cited a recent example as to why it was important the network was diverse in its make up.

“I had an officer call me the other day who was upset, wasn’t happy about their experiences, and wanted to leave,” said Maz.

“When I talked to them I understood a lot of the issues, but there were some issues particular to policing I did not have first-hand experience of so I put them in touch with a sergeant who has been through something similar.

“That sergeant is now going to mentor and support the officer and hopefully prevent him from leaving the organisation.”

Minority

Maz has been involved in the REN for the past six years and was elected its chair in November last year.

The REN aims to put fairness at the heart of Derbyshire Police by taking forward initiatives for the progression of people from black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds.

These include, mentoring schemes, leadership programmes, development opportunities and positive action initiatives. 

Maz said: “We are passionate about working together with the force to actively promote cultural change and organisational learning.

“Our view is that in order to affect change you have to be part of the solution and be prepared to play your part, leading by example to support colleagues and the wider organisation to understand and celebrate difference.”

The network and network members have access to:

• Training and Development

• Strategic representation with policing organisations including the Home Office, National Police Chiefs' Council, the College of Policing, Independent Office for Police Conduct, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS), Police Superintendents' Association, and Police Federation

• Regional development days

• Provision of NBPA cabinet members to speak at local events, meetings, lectures

• Regular up to date policing information

• Support and advice for career promotion and development

• Support with grievances/disciplinaries  for individuals.  

National Black Police Association

The REN is affiliated with the National Black Police Association (NBPA) and Maz currently sits as the treasurer on the NPBA’s Cabinet.

He said: “ First and foremost, we are there as a support network for our members.

“That could be from a wellbeing point of view, or they want someone to attend a meeting with them and be a source of support, or it could be supporting them through promotion and development.

“But it doesn’t stop us challenging the organisation if we feel that something is unfair, or a process hasn’t been followed, or some discrimination has occurred.

“The REN work is voluntary and it can be really rewarding, particularly when you make a difference to someone.”

To find out more about the network and how you can get involved, please email REN@Derbyshire.Police.UK