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See other news storiesNew measures to help with minority ethnic recruitment, retention and progression
20 November 2008
Policing Minister, Vernon Coaker, has published his assessment of minority ethnic recruitment, retention and progression in the police service.
The report confirms police forces are already doing good work – with minority ethnic officer representation in the police service doubling over the last ten years – but recognises that there is still more to do.
Mr Coaker developed the assessment after speaking with key policing partners and independent stakeholders. He has established a new ministerial steering group, which will work to implement the recommendations made in the assessment.
Recommendations include:
- developing a three year equality, diversity and human rights (EDHR) strategy, as recommended in the Policing Green Paper
- developing local recruitment, retention and progression improvement plans
- setting new local targets, increasing local responsibility
- working with the National Police Improvement Agency (NPIA), policing partners and the Equality and Human Rights Commission to develop new ‘positive action’ guidance
- improving the national exit interview data to further determine the reasons for ethnic minority officers leaving the police force
- working with the NPIA to explore a targeted recruitment campaign and/or working with volunteer local forces that need support in attracting people from minority ethnic communities.
Read the full assessment of minority ethnic recruitment, retention and progression document.
Creating a representative police force
Mr Coaker, said, 'I am determined to work with the police service to offer fair and equal opportunities to all its members, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or background.
'We need a police service which represents the public – a representative police service will better understand and serve its local community and that is what I want us to work together to achieve.'
Other initiatives
Other initiatives already underway include the 'breaking through action plan' and 'positive action events toolkit'.
National initiatives aimed at progression in the police force include the high potential development scheme (HPDS), which equips officers with the skills to become police leaders. It also includes the national senior careers advisory service, which helps officers develop the skills they need in order to meet the growing leadership challenges at the top of the police force.
Race employment targets
Also published are the latest race employment targets (new window). The targets were set in July 1999 by the Home Secretary. Reports are produced every year that show how well we're meeting these targets. This report reflects the period 1 April 2007 – 31 March 2008, in relation to the 2009 targets.
