Dyfed Powys Police has welcomed the news that it’s made it into the top 100 employers index compiled by lesbian, gay and bisexual charity Stonewall.
Stonewall’s ‘Top 100’ features employers across Britain who are leading the way in sexual orientation equality best practice. It’s the first time the force has featured in the top 100 of the workplace equality index, and is listed in 64th place.
“This is excellent news for us, and is a real testament not only to the determination of staff to improve things, but also to the support of colleagues engaged with Stonewall, both of which have been key to enabling us to achieve this,” said Deputy Chief Constable Jackie Roberts. “Over the past twelve months we have continued our investment in building our relationships and understanding of people from a wide variety of diverse backgrounds, including those from the gay, lesbian and bisexual community.
“We are delighted that our determination as an employer to provide a fair workplace where everyone is valued equally has been recognised in this way by Stonewall, and we are determined to further build on this success in the future.”
During the past year Dyfed-Powys Police has demonstrated support for Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual employees and community members at the very highest level.
In February 2010 the Chief Constable and Deputy Chief Constable hosted an All-Wales conference for LGB staff.
Sexual Orientation Diversity Champion for the force, Superintendent Claire Parmenter held an ‘LGB Development Day’ for members of the LGB Staff Network and Gay Police Association members, and the Deputy Chief Constable opened the Swansea Pride Community event as the Diversity lead for the Police Service in Wales.
“I‘ve been the force Coordinator for the Gay Police association for the past seven years and I am immensely proud to work for an organisation that has proved it’s dedication toward its Gay, Lesbian and Bi-Sexual staff throughout the organisation,” said PC Jamie Lang. “I believe that this accolade goes someway to show that Dyfed-Powys Police is an employer of choice for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
“As part of an invisible minority, it’s helpful and reassuring that Dyfed Powys Police recognises and understands the needs of the LGB community and is happy to show us respect.”
“All these initiatives highlight our support for diversity and encourage people to be themselves,” said Superintendent Parmenter. “Our position in this list demonstrates that we are an equal opportunities employer, and the benchmarking exercise has enabled us to examine and improve initiatives across all our strands of diversity, ensuring that we provide the highest standards of service across all our communities.”
