Constabulary supports Race Equality Week

This year Race Equality Week takes place from 6 to 12 February and Hertfordshire Constabulary is fully supporting this national campaign that promotes race equality in the workplace. The theme in 2023 is #ItsEveryonesBusiness.

“Here in Herts, we have been promoting racial equality in the workplace for some time,” explains Race Lead, Superintendent Nev Hanks. “We are already signed up to the ‘Race at Work Charter’ making a public commitment to improving equality of opportunity in the workplace.”  

Drawn up by Business in the Community, following a 2017 government review – the charter found that Black, Asian, Mixed Race and other ethnically diverse people staff still encounter significant disparities in employment and progression and that greater progress and positive outcomes are needed to ensure all organisations benefit from the wealth of diverse talent on offer. 

“In 2021 we were the first police force in England to sign up to the Halo Code, demonstrating the constabulary’s open attitude towards Afro-hairstyles and making it clear to serving officers and staff, and to all future employees, that the dress code does not stigmatise or exclude Black hairstyles,” continued Supt Hanks.

The Halo Code which is a guide for workplaces and education settings to prevent discrimination around hairstyles or texture – explicitly protects people with natural hair and protective hairstyles associated with their racial, ethnic and cultural identities.

In the same year the force also launched its Black Workforce Survey, to enable its Black and Black heritage police officers and staff to share their experiences of working within the police service.

Developed by the Police Uplift Programme (PUP) in collaboration with the Police Race Action Plan, the NPCC, and the College of Policing. It was also supported by the National Black Police Association and other staff networks. The survey is part of a five-year commitment to gather views and provide evidence-based priorities for future change. 

At the end of January this year, the Hertfordshire Constabulary Race and Inclusion Board met for the first time. This board is made up exclusively of volunteers from across the Black communities in Hertfordshire and is supported by the Chair of the Herts Black and Asian Police Association.

The board will be updated and advise on how the constabulary is progressing against the national Race Action plan and there will be opportunities for members to attend and observe police operations and to observe some operational, tactical and strategic meetings.

“As the Race lead for Hertfordshire Constabulary, I am urging colleagues to take a positive stand on racial and ethnic diversity and make their own contribution to helping ensure the behaviours and values that Race Equality Week encourages, are applied in all aspects of policing,” continues Nev. 

“By increasing the focus through events such as these, we are able to start new conversations and increase awareness to then challenge and change behaviours and assumptions.  

“As this year’s theme states – Its Everyone’s Business - so we all have a role to play. It is vital that all officers and staff ensure they are committed to race equality and by listening and understanding lived experiences can we address the challenges faced and make policing a more inclusive service where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”