Positive action

Employing a diverse workforce

At Kent Police, we are committed to employing a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve.

Positive action: 

• outlines the ways in which we can counteract the effects of past discrimination and help eliminate stereotyping
• helps employers identify and remove the barriers and issues to the employment, retention and progression of people from under-represented groups.

Kent Police is committed to this approach and currently has working groups considering the issues relating to under-representation in support staff roles and specialist police posts.

Positive action, not positive discrimination

Positive action is not about giving some people more favourable treatment.

Some people may think they don't 'fit in' to an organisation because of their lifestyle or background. Their past experiences of an organisation may have also led them to think they would not be welcome as an employee.

Positive action aims to get rid of such myths and show potential employees how organisations have changed. It also emphasises that applications are particularly welcome from people from under-represented groups who have cultural and language skills to bring to an organisation.

Positive action is not the same as positive discrimination, which is unlawful in the UK.

Employment must be based on merit. Positive action initiatives help employers to encourage people from certain groups who are under-represented in the workplace to apply for jobs and promotions.

Examples of positive action initiatives

The law allows certain positive action initiatives.

Positive action can include awareness days for under-represented people to help them address past discrimination and allow them to take part in the selection process on an equal footing.

Positive action initiatives such as training or familiarisation events can help people to compete on a level playing field.

Kent Police’s Positive Action Officer

Suki Randhawa is Kent Police’s Positive Action Officer. He develops links with the community and publicises the role of the police, to actively encourage and support under represented groups within the community to work with and join Kent Police.

You can call Suki on 01622 652478 or 07980 683298 or alternatively email Suki.