We're a Top 50 UK Inclusive Employer

Wiltshire Police is ranked 36 in the Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers List for 2021/22 published 1 December 2021, in recognition of the Force’s dedication to workplace diversity. The index is a definitive list of UK based organisations that promote inclusion across all protected characteristics, at all employment levels.

Now in its sixth year, the list is the premier cross industry index harnessing best practice and innovation to drive greater inclusion in the workplace. This is the first time the Force has applied and was one of six police forces making it to the final list.

“We are 100% committed to developing a diverse, inclusive organisation, representing the people that we serve and creating a culture where everyone can be of their very best,” said Deputy Chief Constable Paul Mills, who leads for the Force on Diversity & Inclusion.

“Making it for the first time onto the Inclusive Top 50 shows we are making positive steps, but we know there is a long way to go to achieve workforce diversity.  We look forward to working with other Inclusive Companies members to share best practice and learn what more we can do to become an inclusive employer.”

Organisations participating in the benchmark provided evidence on a range of topics, to collate the most accurate and relevant data from employers on their inclusivity practices. An independent advisory panel of diversity and inclusion experts reviewed each submission, determining the rankings of each participant.

We held our first held its first internal conference on equality, diversity and inclusion in October 2021, sharing real life experiences of police officers and staff, discussing important topics like the impact of disabilities on the workforce, work life balance and support available from staff networks. 

The Force runs reverse mentoring and coaching schemes,  all employees have a personal objective to educate themselves on equality, diversity and inclusion matters and a new recording system has been introduced, enabling employees to update their personal details online.

The latest Gender Pay Gap Report published earlier this year highlighted more females than males in staff and officer roles for the first time (1,140 females to 1,101 males). 

There has also been year on year growth in the numbers of ethnic minority employees. Current representation is 2.8% (31) police officers and 3.3% (39) police staff from ethnic minority backgrounds, the highest number recorded to date.

“More employers have seen their people step forward to be heard and contribute to their inclusion agenda like never before, with inclusive leadership leading at the forefront and prompting employers to examine their shortcomings internally” said Inclusive Companies Founder and CEO, Paul Sesay.

“Companies featured on this year’s list have felt the importance of ensuring individual voices are heard and standing up as responsible employers against inequality, injustice and intolerance.”

To view the full list of Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers for 2021/2022, visit https://www.inclusivecompanies.co.uk/inclusivetop50/2021rankings/