INCLUSIVITY THROUGH SHARED LEARNING
Her Voice Matters
Women of Colour in Public Services (WoCiP) is a community-focused organisation dedicated to empowering women of colour across public service sectors. We provide support, mentoring, and development opportunities aimed at promoting diversity, inclusion, and career progression.
Our mission is to create a more equitable and representative workforce that is cross cultural by championing the voices and talents of women of colour, helping them to overcome barriers and thrive in their professional journeys.
The burden of one
Change is needed now. For too long, stories of Black Women, where English is not their first language, and Women of Colour in Public Services have been silenced, distorted, and ignored. Driving Systemic Change and Empowerment for Women of Colour in Public Services: The Burden of One presents a powerful, multi-voiced, faith-filled narrative that reclaims space and presence.
Author(s)
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The Burden of one: Book launch
Launch of Driving Systemic Change and Empowerment for Women of Colour in Public Services: The Burden of One
We were honoured to host the launch of Driving Systemic Change and Empowerment for Women of Colour in Public Services: The Burden of One at the Barbican, London. A significant event bringing together leaders, practitioners, and advocates committed to creating more inclusive and equitable public services.
Through thought-provoking discussions and contributions from inspiring speakers, the event highlighted the importance of recognising women of colour not only as voices within public services, but as leaders, experts, and change makers shaping their future. The evening reflected our continued commitment to advancing inclusion, challenging systemic barriers, and supporting a public service landscape where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Meet our company Directors
Sandra Smith CMgr FCMI
Sandra is a registered Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute with over 30 years of leadership experience in retail management and more than 8 years in policing. In 2021, she founded Women of Colour in Policing – a pioneering initiative that has since been adopted nationally across police services.
Sandra serves as a Mission Ambassador for the Anglican Diocese Pool Mission and as a Local Authority Governor, reflecting her deep commitment to community, education, and faith-led service. She has been recognised with multiple local and national awards for her innovation, dedication, and unwavering commitment to workforce development.
Passionate about empowering women to reach their full potential in the workplace, Sandra continues to champion equity, representation, and growth across the public sector.
Sam Alexander
Sam is a cultural intelligence expert and advocate for inclusive leadership in UK policing, and is known for her strategic impact, empathy, and faith-driven leadership. She also spent 20 years as a fingerprint expert predominantly working in New Scotland Yard. Sam shapes programmes rooted in lived experience. Sam is a multi-award winner for her work on accessibility, diversity and inclusion. She is Deputy Lead for the Women of Colour in Policing (WoCiPBCH) movement which addresses underrepresentation and retention for women of colour. Internationally, she advances inclusion and believes in taking a cross cultural collaborative approach to business development, working closely with clients to understand their needs and craft tailored solutions that address their unique challenges with authenticity, clarity, and purpose.
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Our Partners
Your insight, experience, and commitment to advancing restorative practices helped foster meaningful dialogue and inspired a deeper understanding of repair, accountability, and connection.
Signed on behalf of the Restorative Justice Council, 2026