Northumbria Police have launched their own Association of Women in policing.
The force is looking to inspire their future leaders in the force, as women are still under represented in senior ranks.
Assistant Chief Constable Jo Farrell is determined to take action and create an environment where officers and staff can take control of their own leadership potential.
During an event Chief Inspector Lisa Hogan launched the Northumbria Police Association of Women in Policing at the Inspirational Female Leaders Conference in Newcastle, which was attended by 250 people from across the force.
Attendees were given the opportunity to take control of their personal development, increase their self-awareness and build lasting peer and mentoring relationships.
Assistant Chief Constable Farrell said: “There have been a number of fantastic women in senior positions in this force but we can always do better and there are a lot of talented women who can achieve the same success as those before them.
“Chief Inspector Lisa Hogan has done fantastic work in creating the Northumbria Police Association of Women in Policing and this is an exciting time to be a woman in this force.
“I have every faith that the association will go from strength to strength and we will see a number of talented leaders emerge within Northumbria Police in the future.”
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Vera Baird QC is one of just six female police and crime commissioners in the country and she said there were a number of potential leaders within the force.
“This event was about celebrating achievements and encouraging people to think big about what they want to achieve,” she said.
Mrs Baird, added: “Northumbria Police takes pride in equality and this is the start of a big push to shape the future of our workforce and to ensure we work together so that everyone is equipped with the skills and confidence needed to turn their goals and ambitions into reality.
“Being in a leadership role in the police can be particularly challenging but immensely rewarding.”
The Inspirational Leaders Conference was held at the Discovery Museum in Newcastle and saw a number of guest speakers, offering advice on how to develop the skills needed to become a confident and effective leader.
Chief Superintendent Irene Curtis, who is President of the Police Superintendents Association, spoke about her own career as a female in the police service and offered advice on how to develop leadership skills.
Lincolnshire Police Assistant Chief Officer Nancie Shackleton also spoke at the event and held workshops aimed at encouraging attendees to identify what it was that was holding them back.
This conference will be an annual event where there will also be the presentation of a new award, the Northumbria Police Inspirational Woman of the Year.