Inclusive Workplaces in Policing: Evidence, Experience & Real-World Change

Join us for our National Knowledge Exchange Event, Delivering Inclusive Workplaces in Policing: Evidence, Experience and Real-World Change, taking place on Wednesday 1 July 2026 at The Open University campus in Milton Keynes.

This event will bring together police forces and sector partners from across the UK to network in person, exchange ideas, share effective practice and explore how research and practical application can drive meaningful organisational change. We are aiming to bring as many forces as possible together in one room to support shared learning across policing and strengthen the evidence base for inclusive workplace practice.

A key focus of the event will be the findings from the Open University national benchmarking exercise on maternity and parental return-to-work support in UK policing. These findings will be presented and discussed during the day, offering an important opportunity to reflect on emerging themes, compare approaches and consider how good practice can inform future sector guidance.

The event will have presentations from policing focused academics who will share their findings and recommendations on, retention, representation in specialist departments, perinatal mental health, baby loss, intersectionality and more. Full line up and agenda will be confirmed and published shortly.

Why attend?

By attending, you will have the opportunity to:

• Hear key findings from the Open University’s national benchmarking exercise
• Explore what good practice looks like across policing
• Learn from research, lived experience and practical examples of change
• Network with colleagues from forces across the UK
• Contribute to discussions on future sector guidance and improvement

Who should attend?

This event may be particularly relevant for:

• HR leads
• Wellbeing leads
• Equality, diversity and inclusion leads
• People services professionals
• Senior leaders and line managers
• Staff associations, networks and peer support groups
• Individuals with lived experience of maternity, parental leave and return-to-work in policing
• Practitioners, advocates and organisations supporting parents and families in the workplace
• Researchers and practitioners with an interest in policing, inclusion and organisational change