British Transport Police (BTP) recognises the importance of working closely with a wide range of support groups. By working together we can make use of this specialist knowledge to further embrace diversity. This ensures our policies and procedures are fully inclusive.

Support groups represent the views and needs of their members and ensure they are appropriately addressed. They also provide specialist support, advice and guidance to officers and staff. Many also have their own websites with membership information and contact details for their representatives.

BTP currently works with the following support groups. This list is not exhaustive and our diversity team is always working to make sure we have a range of support groups which represent the needs of officers and staff throughout the organisation.

British Association for Women in Policing (BAWP)
BAWP is a national group whose main objective is to enhance the role and understanding of the specific needs of women working within the police service. BAWP membership is open to men and women of all ranks and grades across the police service and associated organisations.

Christian Police Association (CPA)
Formed in 1883 the CPA is a national organisation which has branches in most forces across the UK, including BTP. The CPA aims to promote and foster friendship amongst Christian officers and staff.

Disability Equality Support Association (DESA).

DESA provides support and advice to officers and staff who are disabled, have a condition that impacts upon their ability to carry out their day-to-day duties or who have caring responsibilities for someone who is disabled. DESA works with BTP to create a positive working environment with equality of opportunity for those affected by disability.

Gay Police Association (GPA)
GPA is a national support organisation that represents the needs and interests of gay police officers and staff throughout the UK. The GPA currently has regional and force coordinators in most UK police forces including BTP.

LINK (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender)
LINK membership is open to all police officers and staff within BTP; it provides support services on local and national issues. LINK is an independent group but has a Gay Police Association Force coordinator on its committee to facilitate national issues. LINK provides BTP with policy and procedural recommendations and aims to ensure that the Force complies with its obligations under the diversity statement.

National Black Police Association (NBPA)
The NBPA seeks to highlight issues facing black staff; helping those in need of support by lending a listening ear and offering advice.

S.A.M.E (Support Association for Minority Ethnic staff)

SAME aims to improve the working environment for all staff including those from ethnic minority backgrounds in BTP. SAME operates at a local and national level to raise awareness and understanding throughout the Force, highlighting issues, areas of concern and consulting on policy making.

Women’s Development Forum (WDF)
WDF is a support group for officers and staff working in Scotland. WDF aims to provide a positive working environment and raise the profile of women within the police service. By achieving these aspirations WDF believes they will in turn improve the quality of service delivery within the police.

Women’s Support Forum (WSF)
WSF was formed in 2003 to emphasise and enhance the role of women within BTP. WSF aims to help raise the awareness and understanding of issues affecting women within BTP, recognise potential and build confidence through personal development.