Avon and Somerset Constabulary

Introduction

Diversity, as a practice, means having an inclusive and positive approach to the differences between people.

Diversity definition - The description of a range of visible and non-visible differences that exist between people.

Managing diversity harnesses these differences, creates a productive environment in which everybody feels valued, where talents are fully utilised and in which organisational goals are met.

(Kandola and Fullerton 1994)

Avon and Somerset Constabulary ("the Force") is committed to policing with the consent and co-operation of all members of the community. We believe that respect for diversity is essential to achieving this. Without the trust and confidence of our diverse communities, we will not have the full consent and co-operation of all those we serve and thus will not achieve excellence in our policing service.

Ways in which we set our priorities to achieve the necessary trust and confidence are described in Making Diversity Happen. For example, we provide a number of training courses in diversity for our staff. All new recruits now participate in a course aimed at ensuring they have a sound understanding of our commitment to diversity and the importance it plays in our business. In particular, understanding diversity is an integral part of every police officer’s training which involves them working directly with diverse communities.

However, we believe that training is not enough. The key way in which we can maximise our best practice and provide an excellent policing service for our diverse communities is by having a diverse workforce. To achieve this we are committed to attracting, retaining and progressing employees from Equality Groups (which are the six groups described in these diversity pages). We can only do this by creating an organisation in which a positive approach to diversity is an integral part of our culture.

Equality and Diversity within the Force is also integral to providing a good quality policing service to all diverse communities. It is vital that we continue to gain a greater understanding of the diverse needs of our communities and revise our policing priorities, policies and practices in accordance with those needs.

It is also vital that we develop a greater understanding of the experiences of our diverse communities whether through complaints (formal or informal) or positive feedback.

This will enable us to develop work with all diverse communities.

Please contact the Diversity Unit using our contact form for more information.

If you have a diversity related suggestion please go to Make a Diversity Related Suggestion