Diversity introduction

Suffolk Police takes pride in promoting diversity by recognising, valuing and respecting the different needs of our staff and the communities we serve.

People of all beliefs, faiths, ethnic origins and sexual orientation make up the world we live in and it is our duty to treat everyone fairly.

To achieve this, we work with local people through a process of consultation and engagement to meet agreed needs to eliminate unfair treatment in our service delivery, promoting confidence and equality.

Suffolk Police strives to create a workforce that reflects the make-up of the communities of Suffolk by selecting all staff on a fair and non-discriminatory basis.

Diversity is about valuing and respecting difference, and understanding that people have varied needs. Suffolk Police is committed to making sure equality and fairness underpins all aspects of police work.

Suffolk Police’s diversity policy is based on people’s nine protected characteristics as indicated in the Equality Act 2010:

• Age
• Disability
• Gender Identity
• Marriage and Civil partnership
• Pregnancy and Maternity
• Race (includes: colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins)
• Religion and Belief (Includes: non-belief)
• Gender
• Sexual Orientation.
  

Diversity Team

In recognition of the impact race and diversity has on the way we deliver our services and manage our personnel; the Police increased its commitment to race and diversity in 2006 by establishing a diversity team.

The diversity team provides support to officers and staff and seeks to increase trust and confidence in the communities we serve.

In developing this approach, the team works in partnership with local authorities, agencies and community groups and representatives, developing new initiatives, policy and monitoring current procedures. Some of the groups we work with include:

• Black and Minority Ethnic communities
• Lesbian, gay and bisexual people
• Travellers and Gypsies
• Transgender people
• Refugees and asylum seekers
• Migrant workers
• New and emerging communities
• People with disabilities.