The launch of Dorset Police’s Equality Champions took place on Wednesday 9 January 2013. The launch was attended by partners, stakeholders and community members. The purpose of the launch was to introduce the concept of Equality Champions, raise awareness and to meet the Champions.
The event was opened by Dorset’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Mr Martyn Underhill and presentations were given by Ms Julia Yates, Head of Corporate Development, Miss Karen Brown, Strategic People, Confidence and Equality Manager and Mrs Teri Roberts, People, Confidence and Equality Officer.
Following the introduction of the Equality Act 2010, Dorset Police reviewed its supporting processes and practices relating to all people covered by the new legislation. As a result the concept of Equality Champions was developed to enhance support and guidance to our communities and staff.
Equality Champions support frontline staff by providing specialist advice and offering tactical guidance on matters related to age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation. Our Champions do this by supporting staff in:
- Continuing to build trust and confidence with minority communities
- Providing specialist support in the investigation of hate crime and incidents
- Providing guidance and support to Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) officers
- Identifying and supportingSNTs in regular contact with minority and hard to reach individuals and groups
- Identifying opportunities for engagement
Equality Champions are in their first year of implementation but already the Champions are providing support and guidance to colleagues across a number of situations as well as attending community events. Our Equality Champions are all frontline police officers and staff who are extremely dedicated to the role – this is a secondary skill above and beyond their ‘day job’.
The implementation of the Champions aims to ensure that all groups of people receive the same quality of service, and as such the role helps to consolidate the engagement that takes place through local Safer Neighbourhood Teams. The Champions can provide the initial links to communities and also provide the support, guidance and encouragement which our officers and staff might need in order to engage effectively.
Dorset Police would like to thank those who attended and supported the launch and we are looking forward to continuing to develop this role in order to support our colleagues and communities effectively.
Mr Underhill said: “The creation of Equality Champions is a positive move to engaging more with communities, and will continue to improve the service that the Force provides. I support this concept whole heartedly, and look forward to working with our Champions in the future.”
