National event promoting disabled and neurodivergent talent in policing attended by senior officers and disability advocates
The Disabled Police Association held its fourth Annual Conference at the Radisson Blu Hotel, East Midlands Airport over the 30th September and 1st October.
The conference was well supported, with Derbyshire Constabulary Assistant Chief Officer and NPCC Lead for Disability Andrew Price opening the first day, and West Midlands Police Assistant Chief Constable Matt Welsted, NPCC Lead for Neurodiversity, opening Day Two. Guest speakers included Open Bionics ambassador and social media influencer Tilly Lockey, who presented awards at the Conference Dinner recognising policing colleagues for their work in championing disability.
Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, NPCC Chair, closed the conference and endorsed the DPA’s 12 Point Action Plan.
DPA President Tracy Betts said: “A key theme of this year’s conference was ‘What success looks like’, and I was proud to stand alongside so many talented colleagues who represent the best in the police service. We have come so far in recognising diverse abilities, but there is still a lot further to go, and this event was a vital means of developing meaningful and sustainable change for the future.”
“With the Home Secretary sending a personal video message congratulating the award winners and committing to working with the DPA, this year’s conference not only inspired us with personal stories and lived experience, but also demonstrated how the DPA is making an impact at the very highest levels.”
The DPA would like to thank the NPCC as joint hosts, primary sponsors Axon UK and MindView, conference organiser CJS Event Solutions, and all those who gave up their time to attend and speak at the event. ∎
