To develop a workplace policing model which builds flexibility, fairness and equity

My Churchill Fellowship experience broadened my thinking and understanding about why gender workplace diversity matters as well as the many benefits of achieving same. I opened my report by saying, “Building a healthy culture must start with RESPECT, TEAMWORK, and taking care of each other. Full gender inclusivity is key to achieving this”.

In the last three years my thinking has not changed but has expanded to include a very simple premise - “A successful workplace is one that allows its people to add value and feel valued”.

In my current Western Region role with Victoria Police I have been instrumental in introducing ‘Culture Compstat’ to more than 2,500 employees across the region. In policing terms Compstat is a forum that encourages strategic problem solving. The first step in Western Region was to acknowledge there was a cultural problem with behaviour towards one and other.

Management gathered statistical data and worked with middle managers and front line members to analyse the data and identify what a healthy workplace would look like. This was a journey over 12 months where each division wrote a bespoke plan to meet their needs and hold each other accountable.

We are now at the review and evaluation stage to access outcomes and determine what, if anything, has changed. In order to make change, a problem must be acknowledged, and everyone needs to own it. The Compstat looked at both the positive and negative data, ensuring that we recognised the great work done by our champions of change and shared those initiatives.

Compstat will be rolled out across Victoria Police, providing an environment where all front line members can participate. I have also focused on language and influenced the removal of the term ‘bystander’ from police speak in relation to internal reporting. It is now expected that police cannot and should not be bystanders to sexual harassment and the like, but will be recognised as a ‘witness’ with a requirement to speak up and do something about it.

I am buoyed by the fact that most women joining the organisation today have the confidence to speak up and believe they will be heard. This project has given me hope that with continual focus and an understanding of the problem, we can work towards creating an environment where gender will no longer need to be considered, as difference will be the norm.