UK-supported RSIPF Female Leadership Development Programme completed successfully

Thirty-eight female officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) successfully completed a week-long leadership development programme in Honiara. It is the first time such a programme has taken place at RSIPF.

This is supported by the UK Government through its Integrated Security Fund (ISF), which aims to provide capacity building and support for a range of policing and legal actors, including strengthening regional cooperation on tackling organised crime, alongside leadership training and mentoring.

Opening the workshop, Deputy High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Emma Davis told the participants their roles are important.

“In the wider context of women’s participation in peace and security at all levels it is very much needed. You are at the forefront of ensuring that there is a better understanding of gender equality and to eliminate negative stereotypes of women in the Solomon Islands. So, you are also daughters, mothers, wives, sisters, aunts, friends, work colleagues, you are mentors, you are mentees, you are coaches, and you are a support. I know already that there are fantastic examples of women leaders in the RSIPF.”

Senior Leadership Trainers from the UK College of Policing Chief Superintendent Claire Armes and Superintendent Louise Galliott-Thornton facilitated the training programme.

For lead facilitator Claire Armes it’s her third visit to Solomon Islands and she said:

“It’s always a privilege to support the RSIPF and the delivery of this female leadership course was incredibly special. All our colleagues who attended the programme brought their energy, passion, knowledge and experience. They learnt key concepts of leadership and were equipped with skills to help their careers including imposter feelings, mentoring and delivering presentations.”

She said it was an honour to be part of the programme and make history with the RSIPF and looks forward to sharing and learning more in the future.

The UK College of Policing has delivered training to an all-female cohort of officers from the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, drawing from the UK’s own ASPIRE programme for female leaders in policing.

Receiving certificates upon completion of their training, the female officers were encouraged to utilise the knowledge and skills they have learned.

Under outcome two of its Integrated Security Fund, which is Security and Justice, the UK is committed to partnering with Pacific Islands police forces to strengthen Pacific islands policing through supporting the development of future leaders.