Chief Constable’s commitment to diversity rewarded

Lothian and Borders Chief Constable Paddy Tomkins has received the GPA’s (Gay Police Association) annual Matthew Windibank award that recognises individuals and organisations that have made an outstanding contribution to the progression of gay equality issues inside and outside the police service.

The award, named after the late Matthew Windibank, a founding member of the association who died in 1999 was presented to Mr Tomkins by the Scottish Coordinator of the GPA, Inspector David Lyle.

Mr Tomkins earned the reward for his “outstanding leadership in progressing diversity for all minority and vulnerable communities but in particular for his support for the Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Transgender (LGBT) community and his close partnership working with the GPA”.

Thanks to Mr Tomkins’ efforts, Scotland has the first full time national GPA Coordinator and LGBT issues both at national and force level are given the appropriate level of strategic and operational priority.

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 our genuine commitment to equality and to serve and protect everyone within our society.”

Calum Irving, the director of Stonewall Scotland said: “The GPA`s award recognises both the personal commitment and leadership Chief Constable Tompkins has shown to developing a police force that the LGBT community can trust. As head of Lothian and Borders Police he has lead work which aims to develop a workplace free of discrimination and a police force better able to tackle the discrimination the LGBT community still faces.”