Foreword By Chief Constable North Wales Police

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2 Foreword By Chief Constable North Wales Police The needs of the communities of North Wales are wide ranging and the way policing is carried out in our communities affects the quality of life of groups and individuals. To ensure that these diverse needs are met this Diversity Strategy has been prepared with the general duty of the Equality Act 2010 firmly in mind. In paying due regard to the Equality Act North Wales Police will ensure that we work towards the three aims of the general duty which are to, eliminate unlawful discrimination, advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations. In meeting these aims we will consider three distinct themes. The first, Operational Delivery, will ensure we focus on delivering services that are accessible, responsive and that meet the needs of all communities. The second, People and Culture, will support an inclusive working environment that encourages development and progression of all staff. Finally the third, Organisational Processes, requires the embedding of equality into our processes and the management of performance. It is the actions that we will pursue under these themes which will make the difference to all our communities and staff in terms of the promotion of equality and diversity. To support and guide our strategy, North Wales Police has a network of internal and external consultative groups that provide us with a better understanding of how we measure up as an employer of choice and how, as a service provider, we impact on people s lives. I would like to thank everyone both internally and externally, who have contributed to the development of the Force in equality and diversity terms to date and who I know will work to ensure the organisation meets the needs of our diverse workforce and communities in the future. I look forward to the implementation of this Strategy and the support it will provide to realising our vision of a safer North Wales for all. Mark Polin, Chief Constable North Wales Police 1

3 Introduction Valuing diversity and ensuring the trust and confidence of all sectors of our communities is intrinsic to everything the Force does. To inform this Diversity Strategy we have listened to our communities, our staff, and taken account of our legal obligations as an employer and a public sector service provider. We have also taken account of The National Equality Strategy published by the College of Policing. Our aim is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities we serve, a workforce which is inclusive of difference. We want to meet the needs of people living and working in North Wales and of those visiting the area, providing an accessible and responsive service free from discrimination, harassment bullying or victimization. All police officers, police staff and volunteers will demonstrate their commitment to this aim and will challenge unacceptable behaviour, especially on the grounds of age, disability, gender re-assignment, marital / civil partnership status, pregnancy / maternity status, race, religion and belief, sexual orientation, or sex. We shall ensure that all our policies and procedures reflect these principles and demonstrate our commitment to the College of Policing Code of Ethics. We will continue to consult and listen to the views of our diverse communities and partners to influence our programme of building public confidence. We will promote diversity and ensure that all of our communities benefit from the same high standard of policing service. North Wales Police strives to be a bilingual organisation; through our Welsh Language Strategy and Welsh Language Scheme we will continue to work to ensure that a genuine language choice is provided. 2

4 Delivery As well as its general duty the Equality Act 2010 has specific duties that are legal requirements designed to help public bodies meet the general duty. The specific duties that we are bound by are summarised below; To set equality objectives. These are milestones to aim towards. Working towards and meeting these objectives will ensure improvements in equality performance and help us to meet the general duty. To publish sufficient equality information to demonstrate compliance with the public sector duty to eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation, advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations. To include information on the effect of policy and practices on people who have a particular "protected characteristic" who are either employees or people affected by our service. To evidence analysis of policy and practices and details of information considered in this analysis. To provide details of engagement undertaken. To satisfy these duties North Wales Police, in conjunction with the Police and Crime Commissioner of North Wales, will publish a Joint Strategic Equality Plan (JSEP) which will incorporate our equality objectives. The JSEP will indicate the activities that are required in order to meet our objectives. This Diversity Strategy supports the Equality Plan and gives clear direction to all staff about the diversity and equality aims of the Force. 3

5 Measuring our performance The specific equality duties require authorities to report annually on compliance with the general duty; to that end North Wales Police will publish an annual report that will inform the public on: The steps we have taken to identify and collect relevant information The effectiveness of our arrangements for identifying and collecting relevant information How we have used this information in meeting the three aims of the general duty and to meet the specific equality duties Any reasons for not collecting relevant information Progress towards fulfilling each of the our equality objectives Information relating to our workforce, including training and pay 4

6 Responsibilities While particular responsibilities are assigned to certain people all our staff are personally responsible for observing and supporting this strategy. Chief Officer Group The team has a collective responsibility to provide a working environment to support this Strategy and to ensure it is consistently applied throughout the organisation. Governance The Force Diversity Unit co-ordinates the delivery of this Strategy, advises on good practice and is supportive of development activities which contribute to the overall delivery of the organisational aim. Command team members have responsibilities for the application of activities and initiatives which underpin the delivery of this Strategy and report to the strategic steering group. The Force will consider its equality performance via a strategic Diversity and Equality Steering Group that meets quarterly; it has responsibility for overseeing the application of this Strategy and ensuring that our equality and diversity objectives are met. This group reports directly to the Chief Constable who has overall responsibility for the direction and control of the Force. He also takes a day to day lead responsibility for diversity and cultural issues. 5

7 Alternative formats This document is available in alternative formats and can be provided in a range of languages on request. Or for more information about this document please contact: Diversity Unit North Wales Police Glan-y-Don Colwyn Bay Conwy North Wales Call: DiversityLiaison@nthwales.pnn.police.uk Visit our website If you would like to know about recruitment opportunities please contact or visit our website recruitment page