"A point made by a colleague at a recent Knowledge Sharing event really resonated with me – true inclusion can’t be achieved by excluding people’s legitimately held views.  The goal of an inclusive society needs the majority to join the journey.  DEI can be too focused on the minority, this is one of the reasons it sometimes doesn’t achieve the outcomes we’d like. 

"The reaction to the recent Supreme Court ruling on biological sex is a reminder that individuals and communities have opposing and seemingly irreconcilable views about a range of issues related to the protected characteristics.  Since I joined the police, I’ve witnessed the immense power of dialogue and the importance of listening.  Our communities thrive when people from different walks of life can speak freely, be heard, and build mutual understanding - even, and especially, when they disagree.  As a senior officer in public service, I believe it’s vital to step into that space not with condemnation, but with a calm and considered voice.  We need to take people with us, and move forward together - not in opposition, but in cooperation.  

"There is a lot of common ground between trans campaigners and groups who advocate for women’s rights.  Both have experienced discrimination, and have fought hard to win fundamental human rights.  Trans individuals and communities simply want to live with dignity and safety.  Women’s rights groups are raising genuine concerns about protecting spaces hard-won over generations.  These are not fringe voices.  These are our neighbours, our colleagues, our friends.  And the truth is, neither group should be vilified for expressing legitimate perspectives.

"Inclusion cannot succeed if it comes at the cost of excluding those with sincerely held, lawful views.  That principle matters to all of us, especially those of us charged with upholding the law and serving all communities fairly.

"There is no binary choice here – it is possible and achievable to support and uphold both women’s rights and trans rights, at the same time.  Too often, we see public conversations reduced to slogans and social media soundbites, where fear and mistrust are amplified.  But those of us in positions of leadership - whether in public service, civil society, or advocacy - must resist the urge to pick a side.  Instead, we should work to hold space for respectful disagreement, and to seek common ground.

"Policing, at its best, protects the rights of everyone. That includes the right to express belief, the right to personal identity, and the right to safety.  These are not competing rights—they are shared ones.  And finding the balance between them is not only possible, it is essential.

"I encourage leaders and advocates on all sides of this debate to engage—not to win, but to understand.  We can acknowledge the complexity of the issues without retreating into silence or aggression, and we can be brave enough to listen.

"The Supreme Court has clarified the legal position.  Now we, as a society, must find the moral courage to build bridges.  Consensus does not mean uniformity; it means co-existence with dignity.  This is the approach taken by the PSA NEC Inclusion Representatives, and we are available to offer support and advice."