Race Matters Training

Response

I can confirm that the Race Matters training programme has been designed and delivered by an external training provider. While we hold some information relating to this training, the detailed materials (including handouts, slides, and screenshots) are the intellectual property of that provider.

Below, I have provided the details used for the procurement process of the training. The additional information requested has been withheld under the following exemption:

• Section 43(2) – Commercial Interests

Disclosure of this information would, or would be likely to, prejudice the commercial interests of the external provider, as the training content forms part of their proprietary product and disclosure could undermine their ability to compete in the marketplace.

Section 43(2) is a qualified exemption and requires us to consider whether the public interest in disclosure outweighs the public interest in maintaining the exemption.

Factors in favour of disclosure:

• Transparency and accountability: There is a legitimate public interest in understanding the nature and content of training provided to police officers, particularly on issues relating to race and equality.
• Public confidence: Disclosure could reassure the public that officers receive appropriate training to address racial bias and promote fair policing practices.
• Informed debate: Providing access to training materials could contribute to informed public discussion about the adequacy and effectiveness of such programmes.

Factors against disclosure:

• Commercial harm: The training materials are proprietary to the external provider. Disclosure would likely damage their ability to market and sell their product, harming their commercial viability.
• Future procurement impact: If providers believe their intellectual property will be disclosed, they may be reluctant to work with public authorities, reducing competition and potentially increasing costs for the public sector.
• Quality of services: Protecting commercial interests encourages innovation and quality in specialist training. Disclosure could undermine this by disincentivising providers from developing bespoke programmes for policing.

After weighing these factors, we consider that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosure. While transparency is important, the potential harm to the provider’s commercial interests and the wider impact on public sector procurement are significant.

Please see below the information used for the procurement process for the training:

Deliver approximately 10 half-day learning sessions focusing on race and religion, aimed at providing deeper staff development beyond single awareness events.  These sessions will support staff confidence and understanding around equity, diversity and inclusion, with tailored consultancy to embed this work sustainability within our learning and development function. With up to 100 delegates at each event.

 

We envisage the programme to include:

 

• A series of half-day interactive workshops covering race and religion in the workplace (approx. 8–10 sessions total)
• CPD opportunities for staff who require a more in-depth approach
• A bespoke leadership strand for senior colleagues to build capacity and influence change
• Peer-supported reflective spaces for ongoing dialogue and development
• A “train the trainer” element to support longer-term internal delivery and sustainability

 

Our approach as an organisation is to align our Race Matters work within one approach to deliver meaningful outcome and become an anti-racist organisation.  We have launched an ambitious program of Race Matters days to engage 100 staff at each day provided by external trainers.

 

The training events will provide the opportunity to train our staff in a nontraditional approach to police education.

 

Avon and Somerset Police are recruiting a network of internal Race Matters Influencers. We aim to train 4 cohorts of 20 staff volunteers on a 6-month training programme of education and self-reflection, covering race and racism in multicultural Britain, exploring how these issues manifest in our society and in our local communities. Looking at the past and reflecting on local history in the Bristol area, race, identity and the role of policing in our diverse society. Three cohorts will be volunteers from across the organisation and one cohort will be Chief Officers and Police staff equivalent.

 

Themed learning outcomes

 

• The Past – ASC’s history with Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, lived experience, generational trauma and how this relates to present day interactions.
• The Present – What the issues are on racism and disproportionality. How and why, they affect us all and influence how we serve communities. The National Police Race Action Plan: what it is, why it is important and how it benefits us all.
• The Future – Understanding responsibility and what part we all play in making positive change. Move from passive ‘not being racist’ position to being active and equipped to be ‘anti-racist’. Understand what value inclusive culture and allyship brings to ASC and our communities. Commitment and curiosity to continue the journey of learning and engagement.

 

Further information that may be of interest is available on our website at the following link:

 

Race Matters | Avon and Somerset Police