Set standards needed so forces can support neurodiverse officers, says Fed chair

31 May 2023

Calls for the introduction of set standards for the way forces support neurodiverse officers have been backed by Suffolk Police Federation.

Branch chair Darren Harris said each force currently had a different approach which had created something of a postcode lottery.

He said a uniform approach to neurodiversity in the workplace was needed to prevent the disparities and inequalities from force to force and help members who needed support reach their full potential.

“Every member deserves whatever reasonable adjustments they need so they can contribute fully,” he said.

“People with neurodiverse conditions can offer different ideas, different solutions and different ways of looking at the world and that can be a great advantage in policing.

“But support differs from force to force with some really tackling the issue head on and others barely recognising it.

“A set standard would ensure support was available to those who need it and help them become the best police officers they can be.”

Darren’s comments came after Police Federation national diversity lead Paul Matthews published a blog about neurodiverse representation in policing.

Neurodiversity refers to the differences in the ways people’s brain works and can refer to conditions such as ADHD, autism, dyscalculia and dyslexia. It’s estimated that 7 million people in the UK live with dyslexia, 2.6m people live with ADHD, 750,000 people live with autism and that 6 per cent live with dyscalculia.

Paul said: “Considering the amount of people currently living with neurodiversity and other conditions, it is inevitable many will be your colleagues in the police.

“Those with a confirmed diagnosis have access to specific workplace adjustments that should support parity in performance and foster greater inclusivity. However, most people won’t even be aware they have one of these conditions.

“It’s crucial that police officers and staff are able to access assessment and diagnosis opportunities so they might be better supported in the workplace and able to perform to the very best of their ability.”

Paul said the Federation had asked the National Police Chiefs’ Council to encourage forces to follow examples of best practice.

And he encouraged members in forces that weren’t delivering for neurodiverse colleagues to highlight it with their force and Federation branch.

He added: “We should all want every member of the team to have whatever reasonable adjustments they need so they can contribute fully.”