‘Everyone deserves a fair chance’ say Fed duo who play key role in award-winning Multicultural Association
“This is an award for every single officer, not just minority groups and it just shows that we are heading in the right direction,” say a pair of Federation representatives after the Force’s Multicultural Association (MCA) won a national award as a result of their anti-racism work.
Razwana Nasheen and Gurvinder Khosa, who are both vice-chairs of the association, said that winning the award is ‘massive’ after Staffordshire clinched the title of ‘Police Force of the Year’ at this year’s national Black Police Association (NBPA) conference in Cheltenham.
The award acknowledges the Force’s work, via its MCA, to actively progress the race agenda on both a regional and national level to ensure minority groups are better represented, engaged with and supported.
“Equality isn’t just about people who are from protected groups, it’s about making sure everyone is treated fairly and has a fair chance at winning,” says Raz, who has been in the Force for 16 years.
“It’s about giving everyone, regardless of their background, race or gender, the encouragement to grow and excel.
“The Chief Constable of Staffordshire Police, Chris Noble, is working hard to ensure his Force is inclusive and diverse, he is the Gold Commander for the Race Action Plan.”
The MCA, which is a network consisting of volunteer workers, provides the Chief Constable with support, alongside business leads within the organisation.
The MCA executive members worked tirelessly to make sure their strategy, aims and objectives are tailored to fit around the Race Action Plan, to ensure we are working in collaboration to achieve goals that would benefit the diverse communities of Staffordshire.
The MCA has been empowered to provide strategic advice both internally and when working with the community, to help Staffordshire Police develop an anti-racist culture.
“As a woman of colour, I have had my own challenges that are unique to me,” added Raz.
“When faced with these unique challenges - that are not understood by everyone - I have found myself to be quite lucky when I have reached out for support. I have had support from a variety of people who come from all walks of life within Staffordshire Police and outside of Staffordshire Police. These people have given me valuable direction, knowledge and insight, allowing me to overcome barriers and to continue to excel in my career.
“I do find that I am in a fortunate position because of the network that I have developed over the years. As a Federation representative – specialising in equality and diversity - as the vice-chair of the MCA and as a staff officer for the Assistant Chief Constables, I do find that I am in a position now to give back to the organisation.
“We were delighted to have picked the award on behalf of Staffordshire Police and will continue in the legacy work that has been set by our predecessors.”
Echoing Raz’s points, Gurvinder added that he believes that the key to spreading a positive message is by underrepresented groups gaining exposure within the force.
“Let’s look at specialist departments like traffic, traditionally male and white. Looking back, 30 to 40 years ago, it was very rare that women would be traffic officers,” he said.
“Today, we see a greater inclusion of people from all backgrounds in specialist departments as they enter the service and pursue their professional curiosities. This award reflects the progress we’re making.
“I truly believe that in 20 years' time we will see some major changes to representation across the force. After all, a police force should look like the public they are serving and protecting. And if our police looks like the public then the public will have more trust in us, share with us information and so make us more effective and stronger.
“This award validates what we are trying to achieve, as we push to improve the lives of officers who might not feel visible at the moment.”
