Cheshire Constabulary a Best Employer for Race

Cheshire Constabulary has been named by Business in the Community as one of the UK’s Best Employers for Race in a new listing published today (1 November 2017).Creating a Best Employers for Race list was one of the recommendations made in the McGregor-Smith Review of race in the workplace earlier this year to showcase best practice on race equality in UK workplaces.

Successful organisations had to evidence that they are putting leadership on race into place within their organisations, creating inclusive workplace cultures and taking action in at least one of three areas – leadership, progression and recruitment.

They also had to be able to demonstrate the impact of these policies on Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) employees.

The listing is unranked and includes 65 public and private sector organisations listed in alphabetical order who collectively represent the best employers for BAME people in the UK

Acting Chief Constable Janette McCormick said: “We are delighted to have been included by Business in the Community as one of the UK’s Best Employers for Race.

“We are fully committed to ensuring our Force reflects the community we serve and a big part of this involves creating an inclusive workplace.

“Last month we showcased our commitment to the Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community by hosting this year’s annual National Black Police Association (NBPA) Conference in Chester.

“It was a real honour and the conference allowed us to develop positive conversations and identify and offer constructive solutions.

“To feature on this list demonstrates that we are creating an inclusive workplace at Cheshire Constabulary and applying best practice on race equality.”

Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane added: “One of my key policing priorities is to deliver a service connected to our communities.

“Creating an inclusive workplace is a vital element in achieving this goal, and I am therefore extremely pleased that the Force has been named by Business in the Community as one of the UK’s Best Employers for Race.

“This recognition reflects the work being done to ensure we are a police force and an organisation demonstrating best practice on race equality.”

Sandra Kerr OBE, Race Equality Director at Business in the Community, said: “Congratulations to Cheshire Constabulary on being named in the first ever Best Employers for Race listing. They are taking a comprehensive and strategic approach to tackling racial inequalities within their organisation and have shown their commitment and leadership on this issue.

“I hope more employers will follow their example of best practice and take part in the 2018 listing. If employers truly want their workplaces to reflect the clients, communities and customers they serve, the time to act is now.”

The full list of the Best Employers for Race 2017 is available via the Business in the Community website:https://race.bitc.org.uk/awards-benchmarking/best-employers-race-2017