(CMR) The RCIPS launched its Women in Policing Network (WiPN), an initiative to enhance female leadership, last Tuesday, 18 July.
The event was hosted by Her Excellency Jane Owen at the Governor’s residence and was well attended. Amongst the guests present at the event were Deputy Governor Hon. Franz Manderson, Chief Officer and Commissioner of Police Derek Byrne; Deputy Chief Officer Nancy Barnard, Commandant for the Special Constabulary Arthur McTaggart, Maria Stanley of the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FDCO) and specially invited guests the family of the late Dr. Linda McField, who was a long-serving member of the RCIPS Special Constabulary.
WiPN was initiated by the UK(FCDO) as part of a project that was implemented to enhance female leadership in the British Overseas Territories (BOT). Planning for the RCIPS WiPN Group started in 2022 with the support of both the FCDO and the Office of the Commissioner of Police (OCP) and was developed by a core working group until the launch.
The RCIPS WiPN has extended gratitude to the Police Welfare Committee for their support and commitment to advancing the goals of the WiPN. This launch event was also heavily supported by a committee of staff who worked tirelessly to ensure that the event went smoothly.
“On behalf of the OCP and the RCIPS especially, I would like to thank Her Excellency Governor Jane Owen for opening her home to us for this momentous event,” said DCO Nancy Barnard.
“The event was made even more special to us, having been held in such a fitting and beautiful location. I would also like to thank all the guests who attended the launch and supported our initiative to enable, empower and inspire each other to achieve our full potential in a service focused on eliminating discrimination and stereotypes,” she added.
Following the launch of the network, as one of its first actions as a formal network, the RCIPS WiPN hosted a professional development day for civilian staff members, where presentations were made to the group regarding Development Opportunities, Crime Prevention, and Performance Management. These training segments were delivered by Deputy Chief Officer Nancy Barnard, Sergeant Cornelius Pompey of the Community Police Unit, and Chief Inspector Patrick Beersingh of the Leadership and Development Unit.
“It has been a great honor to have supported the RCIPS Women in Policing Network since its inception to this point,” said Commissioner Derek Byrne.
“I would like to express my gratitude to Ms. Stanley and the entire FDCO for their consideration and investment in assisting us at the RCIPS to break barriers and to progress in the service for equity and equality. I look forward to seeing all that the network will achieve in the times to come,” he added.
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