Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Strategy
Our Diversity, Equality and Inclusion (DEI) Strategy, sets out our commitment, plans and dedication to being an anti-racist organisation and upholding our Disability Confident Level 3 status. This strategy is supported by plans such as the Police Race Action Plan and the Purple Spaces Plan.
In 2022, we incorporated 'inclusive' as our fifth core value, and alongside it a commitment to looking critically at all we do, through the transformative lens of inclusion, to deliver a high quality, people-led service that keeps communities safe.
Our strategy aims to support West Mercia Police in delivering an effective, trusted and fair policing service which protects all communities equally from harm and which engages and consults to understand priorities and concerns. It outlines three key aspects for our focus, thus providing a broad framework for our Diversity, Equality and Inclusion policy and Equality Objectives:
- Our people
- Our communities
- Our partners.
The strategy has clear objectives that will ensure we embed diversity, equality and inclusion in all aspects of our decision-making, community engagement and policy and practice. It includes how we will create and retain an engaged workforce that is representative of the diverse communities we serve.
Furthermore, the purpose of this strategy is to help us to continue to be proactive in identifying and removing barriers to inclusion and equality both in our workforce and in the wider community. It supports us to work in partnership with other agencies. It guides the actions and initiatives that allow us to comply with our duties under the Equality Act 2010.
Organisational leadership on diversity and inclusion at all levels in our organisation is vital, but it is the responsibility of each individual and each team to ensure they take personal responsibility for bringing this to life.