Accommodating Diversity in the Workplace

Speakers: Dr Krystal Wilkinson, Manchester Metropolitan University, Dr Sarah-Jane Lennie, The Open University. Other contributors: Dr Keely Duddin, The Open University

In this session Krystal and Sarah-Jane will outline the background and focus of their research collaboration (with Keely) with Greater Manchester Police Association of Women in Policing on the topic of perinatal (pregnancy and post-birth) mental health in the context of UK policing.

Perinatal mental illness is a common phenomenon (affecting at least 1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men) in the transition to parenthood, and yet it has been largely overlooked in the workplace – despite existing narratives on the importance of maternity management and support around mental health.

The UK policing context offers unique challenges, linked to both the nature of the job and also organisation culture. Krystal and Sarah-Jane will explain the qualitative research approach, which involved in-depth interviews and a multi-stakeholder focus group, and importantly the resulting innovations in policy and practice at Greater Manchester Police and beyond.

The presentation will also reference related projects from the team, including a report from Keely’s work on maternity management in policing more broadly, and resources from Sarah-Jane’s research around supporting police families.

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