The Supporting Women in Policing Conference 2026
Supported by
Overview
As of 2023, England and Wales have the highest proportion of female officers recorded since 2010, indicating that a recruitment drive has enhanced diversity within the police and is slowly creating a more inclusive workplace culture and desirable career for women.
Despite this, the BBC Panorama documentary along with the Casey Review reveals institutional misogyny in the Metropolitan Police Service. With more women entering the police force it is essential that misogyny is addressed effectively and the retention and experiences of female staff is improved.
2026 Agenda
Online Registration
Chair’s Opening Remarks
Dr Nikki D’Souza, Assistant Professor, Northumbria University (invited)
Keynote: Addressing the Current Landscape of Women in Policing
- Identifying persistent barriers to equality, including gender bias in promotion and leadership structures
- Examining lessons from the BBC Panorama investigation into misogyny and misconduct in policing to drive meaningful cultural change
- Strategies for cultural reform within policing that prioritise inclusion and progression for women
Julia Jaeger, President, International Association of Women Police (CONFIRMED)
Lived Experience: Tackling Misogyny in Workplace culture
Elizabeth Jones, Director, Kent and Medway Violence Reduction Unit & Campaigner against sexism, misogyny and PPDA in police forces (CONFIRMED)
Keynote: Recruitment, Retention, and Promotion
- Strategies for targeting women in recruitment strategies, benefits, and job roles
- Creating a culture of trust to ensure that all women in policing feel protected and valued
- Guidance on developing and implementing progression plans for women in policing
Jasmine Chaplain, Equality & Wellbeing Lead, Nottinghamshire Police Federation (invited)
Questions and Answers
Comfort Break
Breakout Networking: Sharing Best Practice Strategies to Support the Female Police Workforce
This session will provide you with the opportunity to discuss the main challenges you face in recruiting and retaining female staff within your organisation. Attendees are encouraged to share their experiences and solutions whilst networking with peers from across the sector.
Case Study: Rethinking Uniforms in Modern Policing
- Examining the physical and psychological impact of poorly designed uniforms on women’s health
- Highlighting the importance of gender-responsive equipment and operational design
- Identifying next steps to ensure inclusive design standards across all police services
Dr Camilla De Camargo, Lecturer in Criminology, Lancaster University (CONFIRMED)
Case Study: Supporting Women in Policing Through Sexual Misconduct Advocate (SMA) Services
- Examining patterns of reporting and the barriers that prevent victims from coming forward
- Outlining how trained Sexual Misconduct Advocates act as trusted points of contact to guide survivors through formal and informal reporting processes
- Understanding the psychological and career impact of sexual misconduct on victims and the importance of early intervention and ongoing support
- Embedding advocate roles into wider misconduct and wellbeing frameworks to ensure continuity and trust across all ranks
Vicki Moore, Sexual Misconduct Liaison Officer, Avon & Somerset Constabulary (CONFIRMED)
Case Study: Supporting Women with Intersectional Identities
- Addressing the underrepresentation of women of colour in policing and the barriers to their recruitment, retention, and progression
- Recognising how race, faith, sexuality, and disability shape women’s experiences in policing
- Addressing intersectional barriers to advancement and belonging
- Developing inclusive leadership frameworks to champion all identities
Fiona Shaik Umar, Women’s Lead Association of Muslim Police, Metropolitan Police (invited)
Questions and Answers
Chairs Closing Remarks
Dr Nikki D’Souza, Assistant Professor, Northumbria University (invited)
Conference Close
Get in Touch
Previous Speakers
Professor Louise Jackson
Professor of Modern Social History
University of Edinburgh
Sergeant Sandra Smith
Founder
BCH Women of Colour in Policing
Joanne Matulevicze
Treasurer
Police Remembrance Trust
Tanya Wilkins
Detective Chief Superintendent
West Yorkshire Police
Testimonials
“I enjoyed the event – very thought-provoking. Having it online was a bonus as we can still able to attend and encourage others with busy schedules to attend as well. Thank you.”
“Enjoyed hearing about innovative projects women in policing lead and the progress we continue to make in relation to workforce representation, breaking barriers and adapting practices.”
Why You Should Attend
- Hear the latest policies and strategies for supporting women in policing
- High-level keynotes will provide national updates and guidance on creating a gender-responsive strategy
- Receive best practice examples of supporting women in policing
- Engage with case studies including recruiting female officers and supporting parents in the police force
- Network with speakers and senior colleagues from various sectors
- Gain 8 hours of CPD points towards your yearly quota.
GE Insights
Your conference package also includes access to GE Insights, our cross-sector learning resource of case study focused videos, articles, lived experiences and more. Gain unlimited access to our online platform when you purchase your conference ticket.
Who Should Attend
The conference is specifically for all those responsible for, or involved in, supporting women in policing including:
| Job Title Examples | Organisation Type Examples |
| Head of Crime | Police Forces |
| Lecturer | Universities |
| Chief Superintendent | Police Councils |
| EDI Lead | Workforce Recruitment |
| Inspector | Constabularies |
| Inclusion Representative | Police Associations |
| Deputy Director | Police Colleges |
Pricing Options
PRIVATE SECTOR
Your delegate place at this leading conference gives you: Full access to the conference; E-guide; Networking opportunities during the day; Access to presentations post conference; 8 CPD Points.
PUBLIC SECTOR
Your delegate place at this leading conference gives you: Full access to the conference; E-guide; Networking opportunities during the day; Access to presentations post conference; 8 CPD Points.
VOLUNTARY SECTOR
Your delegate place at this leading conference gives you: Full access to the conference; E-guide; Networking opportunities during the day; Access to presentations post conference; 8 CPD Points.
Sponsorship
Raise your Profile, Showcase Your Solutions, Generate New Business
If your products, services, and solutions can support our audiences in their roles, and you want to make connections and generate new business with key stakeholders, decision makers, and influencers, then please contact us HERE
IMPORTANT: There are only a small number of sponsorship opportunities available to ensure maximum exposure and ROI – contact us today to secure your place.
Virtual vs F2F
Whilst F2F provide better options for networking, there are many distinct advantages of sponsoring our online conferences including:
- Wider geographical reach of delegates and a different audience who prefer online to f2f
- Lower sponsorship package costs
- No travel/accommodation
- Less time out of the office
- No stand materials required (lower costs)
- 1 of only 2 sponsors involved – less competition on the day
- Prime speaking slot in the morning of the conference including Q&A – less distractions and easier for delegates to hear/absorb information
- Receive all delegate data after the conference to follow-up directly with those who attend and don’t attend (small % but still key stakeholders)
- Ongoing exposure via OnDemand access (coming soon)
To find out more and discuss your specific objectives, please contact us below:
