South Wales Police Federation rep Sergeant Mark Williams is using his lived experience to push for a more inclusive workplace.
Speaking as part of National Inclusion Week, Mark has highlighted the work of the Force’s Disability Support Network (DSN) in driving change.
Mark, who is co-chair of the network, said: “Inclusion, to me, means equal access to opportunities and resources, making sure no one feels excluded or overlooked.
“It’s about focusing on what people can do rather than what they can’t.”
Equality
The DSN had existed in South Wales Police for a number of years but, after a period of inactivity, it was re-established just over 12 months ago.
Mark and fellow co-chair Martyn Jones, the organisation’s equality, diversity and inclusion manager, have led its revitalisation.
Now the DSN has grown into a thriving coalition of colleagues with disabilities and allies, united by a common goal of inclusivity.
The Network supports officers and staff by:
· Acting as a ‘friend in formal processes, such as sickness meetings
· Offering peer-to-peer advice through lived experience
· Guiding supervisors to take an inclusive approach to reasonable adjustments.
· Providing signposting and practical support to ensure fair treatment in the workplace
“I’m proud of what the network is achieving,” Mark said. “We’ve supported colleagues who may previously have felt isolated, whether that’s helping them secure adjustments to achieve promotion or simply providing a safe space to share experiences.
“The impact is real. You see colleagues grow in confidence, find their voice, and demonstrate their value.”
Pushback
Mark, who has been an officer for 22 years, 16 of which were as sergeant, said that despite the successes, there is still work to be done.
For example, he has experienced pushback from supervisors around ‘fairness’ in making adjustments, with some perceiving flexibility as favouritism.
Mark’s approach has been to emphasise the difference between wants and needs, and to encourage managers to see ability rather than limitation.
“The majority of colleagues in supervisory roles I have had this discussion with have been accommodating and thankful for the guidance,” he said.
Sergeant Mark Williams.
“However, some, who are seemingly entrenched in their views that those requiring support are a problem, have required further intervention and discussions with more senior ranking colleagues.”
He added: ““My drive is to get to a place where colleagues no longer have to battle for fair treatment, where stigma is removed, and inclusivity is simply part of who we are as an organisation.”
Alongside his DSN work, Mark is a Federation workplace representative. His dual role enables him to offer colleagues additional support in navigating processes around sickness, reasonable adjustments, and workplace disputes.
“Wearing both hats means I can ensure people aren’t penalised because of disability or other protected characteristics,” he explained.
Disability
“My passion is ensuring that people are treated fairly and not penalised as a result of protected characteristics and disability.”
Part of Mark’s motivation to support others comes from his own lived experiences.
Mark had a back injury which has stopped him being operational for more than 10 years.
Since then, he has also experienced difficulties with his mental health and wellbeing.
“I didn’t feel that within the organisation there was the support or understanding,” he said.
“I wanted to make sure that other people didn’t have the same experiences.
Network
“That was my drive for reinvigorating the network and also getting involved with the Federation.”
The theme for National Inclusion Week is Now is the Time, and Mark feels it could not be more fitting.
“Now is the time that colleagues and supervisors need to embrace inclusion, focus on what people bring to the table and empower colleagues for their strengths rather than perceived weaknesses,” he said.
And his advice to colleagues is simple: get involved.
“You don’t need to have a disability to join the network – we need allies too. Whether it’s offering your experience, supporting a colleague, or just being open to learning, everyone has a role to play.”
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