Family days

A local in-force family day is a great way to thank families for the support they provide to their loved ones and give them an insight into the world of policing. 

Events like these encourage a sense of community and belonging, for partners, parents and children. It gives both officers, staff and their families the opportunity to have fun in a relaxed atmosphere and to celebrate the valuable work that officers and staff do every day.  It is also an opportunity to listen to families and better understand their experience.

Top tips for implementation

Check out the tips below on how to implement family days. There's plenty to think about so we've broken the tips down into a few different sections.

Organisation

  • Put together a business case if required and seek all necessary internal approvals.
  • Set up a working group and include people from a range of departments and put in place any governance structures.
  • Set the date early, checking it does not clash with other important weekend events. 

Communication

  • Create a clear communications plan and timeline that covers your stakeholder engagement, internal and external communications requirements.
  • Identify location and book as required.
  • Ask for volunteers to support the event and give responsibilities early so there is a sense of ownership.
  • Consider and make contact with partner agencies including other emergency services and how they can add value to the day.

Activities

  • Plan stalls, activities– asking staff for their input, ideas and commitment. You may discover some hidden talents!
  • The greater the range of activities the more inclusive the event will be.  Previous days have included drone displays emergency service vehicles, face painting, police dogs (and of course puppies), taking fingerprints, firearm demos, kids dressing up in uniform, hiring games e.g. large Jenga and connect.
  • Potential to use as a recruitment opportunity - career changes, older children.

Logistics

  • Organise catering and refreshments, taking into account a range of preferences.
  • Develop a transportation plan, to make sure that you get attendees from across the force area   As well as considering protected characteristics, think about your audience and what they might need. Ensure that your site and associated venues are fully accessible E.g., holding a family day at the far end of a muddy field is not great for most wheelchair users or small children in buggies.
  • Prepare a robust contingency plan. Taking into consideration, weather, national emergency. Undertake a risk assessment.
  • If you are hosting an event at a police premises, think about what security arrangements may need to be in place.

Consider the human side

  • Give a thank you to those staff who are working and cannot attend.
  • Consider how you are going to listen to family members and the challenges they face.
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