Employment statistics

We collect a wide variety of employment data relating to our staff. For example we monitor the make up of our staff by ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender and age. The data collected is compiled into six-monthly reports based (currently) on gender and race. Monthly reports on disability and sexual orientation will be published in the future.

Grievances

We operate a force-wide grievance procedure. We gather statistics which tell us whether a disproportionate amount of staff belonging to any Equality Group/s raise grievances and whether the grievances are as a result of them being part of an Equality Group.

Exit questionnaire and interview

Historically police forces have had difficulty in retaining staff from Equality Groups. The exit questionnaire and interview process enables us to get feedback on our employment practices and can inform us of why staff from Equality Groups are leaving disproportionately.

Staff Survey

A number of specific questions are asked to all members of staff about whether they are satisfied with all elements of their working life. This data collected can be broken down by Equality Groups so that any disproportionalities can be addressed.

Recruitment and Retention Working Group

This group monitors and scrutinises the Force’s practices in relation to the recruitment, retention and development of staff from Equality Groups. The group is made up of members of Staff Associations (see below), and trade unions representing most of our members of staff (Unison and the Police Federation) and members of the Human Resource management team. The group requests data, commissions research and conducts consultation to get a clearer picture of the experiences of staff from Equality Groups in the Force. With this information, it makes recommendations to decision makers in the Force for action to be taken.

Staff Associations and Support Groups

There are a number of Staff Associations and Support Groups in the Force.

The Force consults with the Staff Associations when a policy or practice may have an impact on them. For example the Disability Action Team have been engaged in consultation with the Force on the accessibility of the Force’s buildings for disabled staff and service users.

In addition to their advisory role, Staff Associations and Support Groups support their members in the following way:

• Provide support to their members when there may be a dispute with the Force
• Provide a strong support and social network for their members
• Provide links with national staff support groups to share best practice

As a result of the work done by Staff Associations and Support Groups the Force is able to get feedback on diversity-related practices. The existing Staff Associations and Support Groups are:

Disability Action Team - made up of employees who have a disability or who have had experience of dealing with a disability.

Black Police Association - made up of employees who belong to ethnic communities.

Gay Police Association - made up of lesbian, gay and bi-sexual employees.

Christian Police Association - made up of Christian employees.

Gender Working Group - made up of female and transsexual employees.