This case study highlights the collaboration between Warwickshire Police and terptree, focusing on the impactful training initiatives designed to improve Deaf awareness and communication within the force. Ann Chambers, the Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion Learning and Development Officer at Warwickshire Police, sought a flexible training solution that would accommodate the unique demands of policing while equipping officers with essential BSL skills and knowledge.

Through the support of terptree, Warwickshire Police successfully delivered a comprehensive online training session on Deaf awareness, followed by a 10-week BSL course for 15 participants. This initiative not only fostered greater understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with hearing impairments but also strengthened relationships with local Deaf communities, enhancing trust and confidence in policing efforts.

In this case study, we explore the process, outcomes, and ongoing commitments that stemmed from this partnership, showcasing how targeted training can drive meaningful change in community engagement and inclusivity within law enforcement.

Would you tell me who you work for and your role please?

Ann Chambers, Warwickshire Police, Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion Learning and Development Officer

How did you discover terptree?

Via our Regional Business Disability Forum consultant

What were your requirements when you first engaged with us?

Virtual training course that would allow flexibility with work patterns and the operational demands of policing, provide police specific vocabulary, and would develop understanding around Deaf awareness and how to best support those with hearing loss, as well as basic BSL skills that can be used for members of the force to communicate effectively with colleagues with hearing loss to support greater inclusion in the workforce plus with people with hearing loss in our local communities to support trust and confidence in policing through crime prevention, community engagement and investigations.

What function has terptree performed for your organisation?

terptree have delivered a one-off 2-hour online training session on Deaf awareness and a 10 week online BSL course for 15 participants.

What benefits has this brought?

Increased awareness and understanding of the challenges faced by deaf people and strategies to support those within our workforce and communities to improve communication with colleagues with hearing loss to support greater inclusion in the workforce plus with people with hearing loss in our local communities in line with our ambitions to support trust and confidence in policing.

How was the process?

The process was simple and the team at terptree were brilliant to work with, flexible and understanding of our needs.

What did you learn from the process?

terptree were able to provide lots of learning about the Deaf community, strategies and advice on how best to communicate with and support, as well as learning about BSL itself, how it is it’s own language and how signing differs to spoken sentences.

What is the ongoing role?

We will have a small number of Police Liaison Officers for the Deaf (PLOD) in force who will be able to offer support to possible victims of crime in our local areas and generally to our deaf communities, using the BSL to communicate reassurance in line with our ambitions to support trust and confidence in policing.

What is your advice to others who might be considering engaging with terptree?

The team at terptree are knowledgeable and so helpful, they work with organisations to identify their needs and offer lots of support in between.

Would you recommend terptree and why?

Yes, this course was value for money and access to the learning dashboard allowed for greater flexibility for those participating.