About us 

Support Association for Minority Ethnic staff

The Support Association for Minority Ethnic staff (SAME) is the support network working towards ensuring that there is fairness and equality for minority ethnic staff within policing.

Membership of SAME is open to all members and volunteers of Thames Valley Police regardless of their ethnic background. It is also open to members of the communities that Thames Valley Police serves - either as companies/organisations or as individuals. Membership is free.

Our aims are to:

Support our membership

• Advise staff who are suffering harassment or discrimination at work because of their race.
• Improve communication and understanding.
• Organise or raise awareness of development opportunities for BME staff.

Assist Thames Valley Police in improving the organisation with regards to race-related issues

• Assist the Force in developing policies and procedures which take full account of the needs of staff and communities from minority ethnic backgrounds.
• Provide advice and assistance to the Force to aid the recruitment, retention and development of staff from minority ethnic groups.
• Provide a consultancy service on matters of equality, cultural issues and anti-racism.

Increase trust and confidence within communities

• Promote the importance of cultural diversity in the workplace and in delivering a quality service to the community.
• Support community events.
• Work with external groups to improve confidence in policing.

SAME is affiliated to the National Black Police Association and is supported by Thames Valley Police. Should you have any questions or queries, please email SAME.