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This pioneering and exciting two-day event will see international and local speakers from academia, public health and policing come together to explore the subject of Neurodiversity in Policing. This event will be hosted by Edinburgh Napier University in partnership with the Global Law Enforcement and Public Health Association, the Scottish Institute for Policing Research and Police Scotland.
The event will take place on the 12th and 13th of February 2025 at the Sighthill Campus of Edinburgh Napier University.
The two-day event will offer a platform for learning, exploring, and challenging how neurodiversity impacts officers/staff and the public they serve. Day one will focus on ‘Our People’ as the theme for discussion with Day 2 focusing on ‘Our Public’.
The event is free to attend and will be open on each day.
***Please ensure you select the correct tickets. Police Scotland tickets are for Police Scotland personnel only. Any non-Police Scotland orders for those tickets will be cancelled and reallocated to General Admission.***
***Police Scotland Attendees must have approval from their organisation to attend this event.***
Further programme details forthcoming.
Speakers to be confirmed.
Speakers: Superintendent Roberton, A DEFINE Ambassador, DEFINE Co-Ordinator, and Dr Estelle Clayton
The Policing Together Oversight Board endorsed the first DEFINE Neurodiversity structure as a test of change pilot in Q division.
DEFINE stands for: Develop Encourage Foster Inclusivity for Neurodiversity in Everyone.
This approach has grown out of the West Neurodiversity Support Network lead by Detective Chief Inspector, Rebecca Gregson with the support of the West People Plan.
The Q division pilot is being led by Sergeant Sharon Campbell, Q division response policing and supported by Superintendent Greg Roberton, Q division support and service delivery.
DEFINE Neurodiversity is a group that can offer support and signposting to individuals or supervisors, it’s also where people can come together, talk about their lived experiences, share their stories, and ensure officers and staff are directed to the correct support and advice. In addition to their primary function, they will advocate for the adoption of best practice and support within Police Scotland to ensure we provide an inclusive organisational approach to Neurodiversity.
There are 10 DEFINE Ambassadors in Q division who are there to help and have been supported and coached by Lynsay Spence, Police Scotland Disability Co-Ordinator.
Dr Estelle Clayton has carried out research interviews of those involved and will share her preliminary findings.
Speaker: Professor Stan Gilmour
Professor Stan Gilmour, a leading expert in neurodisability and criminal justice, presents a groundbreaking exploration of the unseen impact of brain injury on police officers. This session delves into the complex interplay between brain injury, neurodiversity, anxiety, and trauma, revealing the hidden challenges faced by police officers.
Key takeaways:
Why this session is important:
This presentation offers a critical perspective on the well-being of police officers, challenging traditional approaches to mental health and performance. Attendees will gain valuable insights into:
Speaker: Sergeant Chris Edwards, National Neurodivergent Peer Support Group
Police Scotland staff associations help to highlight different experiences and voices within policing and our communities and support our organisation in equality and inclusion initiatives.
DACA works to ensure that people with disabilities who are police officers, special constables or police staff can be assured of a working environment which is inclusive and supportive of their needs. DACA also supports those who have caring responsibilities.
DACA has created a dedicated Neurodiversity Sub Committee chaired by Chief Inspector, Kirsten McLatchie and Sergeant, Chris Edwards. This group has supported the DEFINE Neurodiversity Pilot and has also launched a National Neurodivergent Peer Support Group, which meets online on the first Wednesday of the month, 10am- 12pm.
Speaker: Caroline Turner, CEO Creased Puddle
Abstract to follow.
Details to follow.
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