We’d like to say “yes” every time, however we realise that things aren’t always that simple. Disclosing your condition means that your manager has the opportunity to put reasonable adjustments in place for you, and to generally be supportive and understanding of your needs. Your Force can also make allowances if your condition impacts on your performance at work, or causes you to take sick leave. However, there have been cases of staff being treated badly due to a disability (the DPA exists for a reason!) and there is still a stigma around certain conditions – some people would rather keep their disability or condition private. If you’re uncertain about whether to disclose, we recommend that you discuss with your local DSN, a Federation or union rep, or a trusted colleague.

The Equality Act 2010 provides legal protection for disability* as a protected characteristic, along with age, gender reassignment, race, religion/belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage/civil partnership, and pregnancy/maternity. The Act states that employees (including Special Constables and police cadets, who are regarded as employees for the purposes of the EA) must not be treated unfavourably at work due to their identification or association with any of these characteristics. An employee or candidate who believes they have been subject to unlawful discriminatory behaviour by an employer may seek redress at an Employment Tribunal (see separate FAQ).

(*A disability is defined in the Equality Act as a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities. Certain serious illnesses such as cancer are automatically classed as disabilities under the Act.)

If there is no DSN within your Force, it is likely that a previous network has become dormant or there has been a shortage of volunteers to set up a new network. If you or a colleague are considering setting up a DSN, the DPA can provide you with advice and support – get in touch with us for more details.

If you don’t have an active DSN in your Force, you can always get confidential advice from your Force’s Occupational Health and Welfare departments. The Federation and police unions are also on hand to advise on employment law in relation to your disability/condition, and there are a variety of other support groups and charities which can assist you. (For example, the National Police Autism Association provides direct support for autism and other neurodiverse conditions within the police service.)

We recommend that you register as a member of the DPA – it’s free and you will get access to regular disability and wellbeing-related updates and news.