Accolade for Wiltshire Assistant Chief Constable helping underrepresented groups

The programme designer of a course aimed at investing in under-represented groups within Wiltshire Police has been recognised in an awards ceremony.

We Rise was set up in 2024 by Assistant Chief Constable Liz Coles, who wanted to support staff and officers within the force, as well as encourage diverse talent to join and stay in Wiltshire.

The programme was designed to give people confidence and help them to see their real potential, resulting in the initial feedback showing that 56 percent of We Rise participants have either applied for or have been successfully offered promotions within the force - which each of them contributes directly to, having been on the programme. 

ACC Liz Coles was awarded the Chief Constable's Inspirational Leadership Award at the Wiltshire Police Force Awards, and Chief Constable Catherine Roper said: "There are moments in life when you experience something truly groundbreaking – and I believe this is one of them."

The programme has been recognised by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary, Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) as innovative practice, and ACC Coles has been working with other police forces who are interested in setting up a We Rise programme.

ACC Coles said: "The most important thing for me was giving value to those people who we work closely with, and what those people will never understand is what they did for me.

"I learnt so much about the different challenges they'd all been through and how they'd overcome them, and it was a privilege to be part of their journey.

"I'm working with other forces nationally, so not only can we help develop and give value to our under-represented groups within Wiltshire, but we can help push that out even further so we can give more people confidence to be whatever they want to be."

PC Scherne Clarke took part in the programme. She said, "We rise has taught me so many new skills, but essentially how to be more resilient, and that has supported me in becoming the best version of myself." 

Contact Centre Operator David Grainger, another of the participants, said: "Through We Rise, I have been given the power to be myself through encouragement and support. This empowerment has helped me with my confidence to be able to stand here today."