Police Race Action Plan

Below you can read about our progress at a local level:

 

Wiltshire Ethic Police Association

The Wiltshire Ethnic Police Association (WEPA) is an active and supportive group. It was started in 1999 and was previously called The Wiltshire Black Police Association but the name was changed in 2020 to become a more inclusive staff support network. WEPA tries to bring the importance of race and heritage to the forefront of how our force supports its officers and staff. Meetings are held regularly and create a safe space for members to get peer support.  

 

Assistant Chief Constable Ian Saunders - WEPA sponsor

In July 2024, each staff support network including WEPA (Wiltshire Ethnic Police Association) was appointed a sponsor from the Force’s Chief Officer group. Assistant Chief Constable Ian Saunders will support the association as an executive ally. Providing direct access to Force decision makers and strategic support to overcome barriers and raise awareness of the challenges our WEPA members face.

 

The We Rise program

Launched in December 2023, We Rise is a leadership program aimed at investing in underrepresented groups within Wiltshire Police. Designed as an intersectionality development initiative, it centres around giving talented people the tools and confidence to excel. We Rise will see its first 18 graduates in September 2024 and will be open to another 30 officers and staff for the 2025 program.

 

Positive Action

A small but passionate Positive Action team actively supports applicants, new recruits and those looking for promotion. They spend time connecting with diverse communities at local community events to encourage people from diverse backgrounds to think about a career with the police. They perform an essential part of the forces commitment to being as representative of the community we serve as possible. Their hard work is integral to Wiltshire Police being named 22nd on the Inclusive Companies ‘Top 50 UK Employers’ list for 2023/24. Currently, Wiltshire Police are the highest ranked police force on this list.

 

Diversity and inclusion training

In September 2023, Wiltshire Police commissioned Diversity and Inclusion training from an external ED&I (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) training specialist to support the ongoing internal Police Race Action Plan work. Members of WEPA were consulted on the content and delivery method to try and ensure a quality program. In December 2023 we decided to bring this program in-house and hire a Wiltshire Police ED&I Trainer.

 

Review of new officer training

In June 2024 we updated the initial police training to include the College of Policing ‘Valuing Diversity & Inclusion’ module. This updated module now includes lived experiences from several officers with a diverse background and how to challenge/report inappropriate behaviour.

 

Safe2say

In December 2023 we launched a new internal channel, Safe2say for officers and staff to report wrongdoing at any level without fear of reprisal. The bespoke channel is 100% anonymous and can be accessed by any member of the force. We hope this new channel gives our colleagues from a minority background who don’t feel they can openly report, an opportunity to do so in confidence.

 

Every voice matters – ED&I conference 2023

On the 9 November 2023 we held our annual ED&I internal conference live streamed across the county from our Devizes Headquarters. This year's conference focused on creating a safe space to share lived experiences and bring diversity, equality, and inclusion to life in our organisation and for the communities we serve. We strongly encourage all employees to attend and take advantage of the opportunity to learn more about how to create and support an inclusive organisational culture.

 

A further update on our progress against Workstream One will be issued in the Autumn.

Workstream Two ensures the police service acts fairly, respectfully, and equitably towards Black individuals.

Our main area of focus has been Workstream One: Represented (Internal culture and inclusivity). We believe that working on our culture and inclusivity within Wiltshire Police is the cornerstone of delivering progress in all other workstreams.

In July 2024, Superintendent Dave Minty was selected to lead Workstream Two. Two members of the Wiltshire Ethnic Police Association (WEPA) will join him, WEPA Chair, Inspector Ho Tsang and Police Constable Matoyizi Katsande. Together with our Chief Officer Group they will develop plans for Workstream Two; an update will be issued in the Autumn.

You can view our latest stop and search data here or visit the OPCC website to learn about how our Police Powers are scrutinised.

Workstream three highlights the importance of involving Black people in the governance and decision-making processes of the police service.

Our main area of focus has been Workstream One: Represented (Internal culture and inclusivity). We believe that working on our culture and inclusivity within Wiltshire Police is the cornerstone of delivering progress in all other workstreams.

In July 2024, we appointed Superintendent Mark Lynch to lead Workstream Three. He will be joined by two members of our Wiltshire Ethnic Police Association (WEPA), PCSO Roland Revers and Personal Assistant Jane Campbell. Together with our Chief Officer Group they will develop plans for Workstream Three; an update will be issued in the Autumn.

You can learn more about how we currently engage with our communities here.

Workstream Four aims to ensure the police service effectively protects Black individuals from crime and diligently seeks justice for Black victims.

Our main area of focus has been Workstream One: Represented (Internal culture and inclusivity). We believe that working on our culture and inclusivity within Wiltshire Police is the cornerstone of delivering progress in all other workstreams.

In July 2024, we asked Head of Victim Services, Julia Gay and Superintendent Conway Duncan to lead Workstream four. Inspector Blake Kennedy and Digital Engagement Lead, Alison Lester will join them from our Wiltshire Ethnic Police Association (WEPA). Together with our Chief Officer Group they will develop plans for Workstream Four; an update will be issued in the Autumn.

You can learn more about Horizon, Wiltshire’s Victim and Witness Care Service here.