We're a Top 50 UK Inclusive Employer

Wiltshire Police’s work to become a diverse and inclusive employer received a welcome boost at the end of 2022, with two industry commendations in recognition of actions being taken to achieve workforce diversity.

2022 Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers Index

Wiltshire Police climbed 14 places in the rankings, from 36 in December 2021 to 22 in December 2022. 

The Index is a definitive list of UK based organisations which promote inclusion across all protected characteristics. An independent panel of judges look at all areas of diversity including age, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and religion, and award rankings based on evidence of inclusive practices. Entries come from a wide range of employers including IT companies, NHS Trusts, police forces and utility companies.

Wiltshire has increased female representation at senior level, more female police officers are applying for promotion through the ranks and more women are stepping forward to act as role models and encourage new applicants to the police service. 

Overall, female officers and staff slightly outweigh their male counterparts, at 51.5% females to 48.2% males, a trend which has been steadily growing in recent years. Female police officer numbers are currently at their highest ever, representing 38% of the current operational workforce.

More people from ethnic minority backgrounds are joining Wiltshire as police officers, PCSOs and police staff, with 80 currently in post and a thriving staff support network welcomes and supports all ethnic minority employees.   

Earlier this year, Wiltshire renewed its Disability Confident Leader status; the Force was the first police force in the country to achieve the highest level in the Government’s scheme, and inclusion training has been delivered to all frontline officers and staff.

Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers Index

www.inclusivecompanies.co.uk/inclusivetop50/2022rankings

Gender Equality in UK Policing Report: Fourth Annual Report November 2022

Wiltshire is also making good progress towards gender equality, according to a new Gender Equality in UK Policing Report.

Every police force in the UK has signed up to the United Nations gender equality campaign, HeForShe, with a pledge to improve gender imbalances at senior levels in policing and to continue to combat domestic and sexual abuse in society.

In 2022, Wiltshire has seen a 50% increase in the number of female officers in senior roles compared to the previous year.  Specific campaigns to encourage female officers to specialise in traditionally male dominated roles like firearms and roads policing are also highlighted in the report as good practice.

The Report highlights the steps all UK police forces have started to take to meet three key commitments agreed with the UN in July 2022.

• To address the gender imbalances at middle management teams particularly the ranks of Sergeant and Inspector
• Address and remove sexism and misogyny, where it exists, in police culture
• Support the annual reporting of gender equality information