Fed chair welcomes Neurodiverity Champion scheme

19 January 2024

The chair of Hertfordshire Police Federation has welcomed news that the Force has launched a brand new Neurodiversity Champions scheme to support those with neurodiverse conditions.

Luke Mitchell, who openly discusses living with dyslexia - a learning difficulty that mainly affects a person’s reading and spelling skills - says it is ‘essential’ that all officers ‘not only feel supported but respected and understood’.

He said that the introduction of more than 30 Neurodiversity Champions within the Force will not only help to retain current officers but make the job more attractive to potential cops too.

“The world has changed and whatsmore, we have a whole new workforce these days,” said Luke.

Hertfordshire Police Federtion branch chair Luke Mitchell.

“And policing needs to adapt to suit the needs of current officers - introducing Neurodiversity Champions does exactly that. If we don’t bring in that vital support, officers will feel disengaged and want to leave - it’s that simple.”

Each of the Neurodiversity Champions are volunteers and while they cannot diagnose conditions, they can provide invaluable support to their peers.

“This is a very positive move for the Force,” added Luke.

“And whatsmore, those 30 people are doing this as an extra to their day-to-day job. They’re going above and beyond, they just want to help others.”

Many of the Neurodiversity Champions have experienced neurodiverse conditions themselves, just like Luke, who was diagnosed with dyslexia at the age of 11.

Three decades on, and Luke actively encourages his colleagues to speak out about neurodiversity by speaking about his own experiences and offering support to members.

“Over the last couple of years, I’ve supported several male officers in their early 40s who are in the early stages of being diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD),” Luke explained.

“And that isn’t just impacting their job, it can change their whole life. But I want people to understand it’s about what you can do, not what you can’t do.

“Having the correct support in place means that those small changes can be made to not only make your life a lot easier but ensure that each person’s individual strengths are being utilised in the workplace.

“Those little adjustments here and there can make the biggest difference.”