Police force praised by equality campaigners

CHESHIRE Constabulary has been named a top employer for working culture relating to race by an equalities campaign group.

The force was included among 65 public and private organisations by Business In The Community.

A Cheshire police spokesman said the list was compiled following a recommendation made in the McGregor-Smith review of race in the workplace earlier this year.

Criteria covered leadership, progress, recruitment and inclusive workplace cultures.

Organisations also had to show the impact of their policies on black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) employees.

The inclusion comes just two years on since the then-Home Secretary Theresa May named Cheshire police as one of four forces with no black officers. It now has three. Acting Chief Constable Janette McCormick said: “We are delighted to have been included by Business In The Community as one of the UK’s best employers for race.

“We are fully committed to ensuring our force reflects the community we serve and a big part of this involves creating an inclusive workplace.

“Last month we showcased our commitment to the black, Asian, and minority ethnic (BAME) community by hosting this year’s annual National Black Police Association (NBPA) Conference in Chester.

“It was a real honour and the conference allowed us to develop positive conversations and identify and offer constructive solutions.

“To feature on this list demonstrates that we are creating an inclusive workplace at Cheshire Constabulary and applying best practice on race equality.”

Cheshire Police And Crime Commissioner David Keane added: “One of my key policing priorities is to deliver a service connected to our communities.

“Creating an inclusive workplace is a vital element in achieving this goal, and I am therefore extremely pleased that the force has been named by Business In The Community as one of the UK’s best employers for race.

“This recognition reflects the work being done to ensure we are a police force and an organisation demonstrating best practice on race equality.”

Sandra Kerr OBE, Business In The Community race equality director, said: “Congratulations to Cheshire Constabulary on being named in the first ever best employers for race listing.

“They are taking a comprehensive and strategic approach to tackling racial inequalities within their organisation and have shown their commitment and leadership on this issue.

“I hope more employers will follow their example of best practice and take part in the 2018 listing.

She added: “If employers truly want their workplaces to reflect the clients, communities and customers they serve, the time to act is now.”