Conference 2027

The Centre for Military Women’s Research and the Centre of Excellence for Equity in Uniformed Public Services (CEEUPS) are holding a joint conference in spring 2027, themed around psychological safety, allyship and culture change in the uniformed public services.  

The conference will take place over two days, with two parallel programmes on the first day, one with a military theme and one focusing on uniformed public services, ending with a drinks reception. This day will begin with a keynote by Valarie Gates of the Barrie Police Service in Canada. The second day comprises a keynote speaker followed by a choice of panel discussions and workshops on a variety of themes, concluding with a review and plenary.

Inspector Valarie Gates leads Investigative Services with the Barrie Police Service in Ontario, Canada, bringing nearly three decades of policing experience. She is a co-founder of 30Forward, a national initiative advancing women’s representation, retention and advancement in Canadian policing through research, mentorship, allyship and organisational change. Drawing on lived experience and partnerships with researchers and police leaders, Valarie advocates for workplace cultures where women feel supported, respected and safe to speak up. Her work emphasises the shared responsibility of leaders and colleagues to build trust, strengthen belonging and create conditions for women to thrive throughout their careers in uniform.

Conference information

Location and directions

The conference is taking place at ARU Cambridge, East Road, Cambridge CB1 1PT.

Timings

Registration will open at 9am on Wednesday 31 March, with the conference starting promptly at 9.30am.  The day will draw to a close at 5pm, concluding with a late afternoon drinks reception and the opportunity to network with fellow delegates. On Thursday 1 April the programme will begin at 9.30am. There is a choice of panel discussions and workshops on this day for you to attend. The conference will conclude at 4pm.

Abstract submissions

We are inviting abstract submissions (maximum of 250 words) for:

• 20 minute oral presentations
• Two hour workshops
• Two hour panel discussions (you will be required to identify members of the panel)

Submissions should be focused on the theme of “Women and Families in the Uniformed Public Services: Psychological Safety, Allyship and Culture Change”. We welcome submissions focused on current and former members of the UPS, as well as their families, and submissions related to the history of women and families in the UPS. 

The deadline for submissions is 31 October 2026 – please send abstract submissions by email to caroline.tapper@aru.ac.uk. Presenters will be informed of the outcome of their submission in mid-November.