Inspector recognised for neurodiversity work

27 June 2024

A Nottinghamshire Police Federation member says it was a ‘humbling surprise’ to be commended for his work supporting the Force’s neurodiverse community.

Inspector Gav Skevington, Nottinghamshire Police’s chief firearms instructor, received the recognition at the Chief Constable’s Commendations.

Gav, who is autistic and part of Nottinghamshire Police’s Neurodiversity Working Group, and is passionate about helping others.

He said he did not know anything about the commendation.

“It came as a humbling surprise as I don’t do any of this for recognition,” he said. “It comes from a passion to help others and the wider organisation learn from the experiences I have had over my 19-year career so far.

Nominated

“I found out via email from the recognition team and then from one of the officers who had nominated me, which left me feeling extremely humbled to say the least.”

Gav has shared his experiences with colleagues in the Force, with neighbouring forces and their neurodiversity networks, and on a national stage as part of the College of Policing’s Neurodiversity in Specialist Operations Policing Group.

And by sharing his story, Gav has broken down barriers and enables colleagues to feel supported in seeking help for neurodiverse conditions.

Inspector Gav Skevington and Nottinghamshire Police Chief Constable Kate Meynell.

“It’s recognition of the support I’ve provided and the help to break down barriers in force and on a wider national stage in terms of neurodiversity awareness, inclusivity and understanding,” he said.

Gav said the Force was sending out a clear message of support to people in the organisation with a neurodiverse condition.

“Giving public recognition and acknowledgement really sends the message that the organisation is willing to listen and support,” he said. “For our Neurodiversity Working Group, it shows substance beyond words.

“When people come forward we are in a position to offer an ear, a shoulder or simply a person to talk to, and that can be the difference between someone speaking out or potentially leaving the organisation.

“The working group shows an investment in supporting neurodiversity in the workplace and it is the foundation of things to come as understanding, awareness and acceptance grow.

Neurodiverse

“And for neurodiverse colleagues, hopefully it will help more people feel empowered to be their authentic selves without having the added pressure of hiding, masking or forcing themselves to cope when support is available.”

More than 70 Nottinghamshire Police officers and staff who have gone above and beyond to help make Nottinghamshire a safer place to live, work and visit. Four members of the public also received commendations for showing bravery and heroism in emergency situations.

“I always worry at events like that where I hear about the bravery and hard work by colleagues across all manner of experiences,” Gav said. “There’s always that worry about not being as worthy of recognition.

“But I don’t do this for recognition, but because I honestly see the value that neurodiversity and diversity of thought bring to the organisation and the public.”

Read more about Gav’s story.