Race Inclusion Board (RIB)
Representatives from the Black communities in Hertfordshire are being asked to help the force deliver the National Race Action Plan and the constabulary’s objectives around race and diversity.
Recently launched by the National College of Policing, the new plan aims to address race disparities affecting Black people and change a legacy of distrust. The vision is for the police service to be an anti-racist and trusted by Black people. It complements the work already taking place in this area within Hertfordshire Constabulary.
A key part of this work is the creation of the Race and Inclusion Board, which is made-up 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 meets every month with senior officers who oversee different areas of work around race and inclusion, along with members of the constabulary’s Diversity and Equality team.
Subjects that have been discussed so far include stop and search procedures, how to build positive relationships with younger Black communities, anti-racist training for police officers, how to encourage more applications from ethnic minorities and what support and help these potential recruits might need to navigate the recruitment process successfully and climb the career ladder.
Members of the board have also been taking the opportunity to go on ride-alongs with officers on patrol, to get a better insight into police work and identify any areas where the organisation could benefit from their insight into specific community issues.
Following on from the establishment of the initial board, the constabulary is now looking to set up a young person’s board so it can learn direct from the young Black communities, around where it needs to improve and how it can do things better.
Superintendent and Race lead for Hertfordshire Constabulary, Di Whiteside said: “We are committed to being an anti-racist organisation, working hard to promote race and inclusion both within the service and in the communities we serve, addressing racial disparities and building relationships based on trust.
“The Race and Inclusion Boards are key in helping us achieve this, so if you are interested in becoming a member of either of these boards please get in touch.”
For more information and how to apply to the RIB, please email.