News Articles
30th September 2006
Chief Constable Honoured at GPA Annual Dinner
The GPA makes an award, each year, that recognises individuals and organisations who have made outstanding contributions to the progression of gay equality issues, both within and outside the Police Service. The award is named after the late Matthew Windibank, a GPA member from the earliest days and a well-known and respected authority in equality issues, who died in 1999.
This year, the award was made to Paddy Tomkins, the Chief Constable of Lothian and Borders Police, in recognition of his outstanding leadership in progressing diversity for all minority and vulnerable communities, but, in particular, for his support for the LGB and T communities and his close partnership working with the GPA.
As a result of that commitment, the GPA has a full-time Scottish Co-ordinator (the first-ever such post in the UK), which ensures that LGB and T issues, at both Force and National level, are given the appropriate level of strategic and operational priority.
Inspector David Lyle, the Scottish Co-ordinator, made the presentation to Mr. Tomkins at this year's Annual Dinner of the GPA, which was held in the City Chambers, in Edinburgh. In his response, the Chief Constable said:
"I am delighted to receive this award and gratified that the work of my Force has been recognised by this prestigious honour, which has, for the first time, been awarded to a Scottish Chief Officer. It says a great deal about the transformation that the modern Scottish Police Service has gone through and demonstrates its genuine commitment to equality, and to serving and protecting everyone within our society."
Calum Irving, the Director of Stonewall Scotland (and a guest at the Dinner), said:
"The GPA's award recognises both the personal commitment and leadership Chief Constable Tomkins has shown to developing a Police Force that the LGB and T communities can trust. As Head of Lothian and Borders Police, he has led work which aims to develop a workplace free from discrimination, and a Police Force better able to tackle the discrimination the LGB and T communities still face."
