HAMPSHIRE Constabulary has been named by Business in the Community as one of the UK’s Best Employers for Race in a new listing.

The listing was published on November 1 and the 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 show 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.

Hampshire Constabulary also has to demonstrate the impact the policies have on BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people) in the UK.

Olivia Pinkney, chief constable of Hampshire Constabulary, said: “I am delighted that Hampshire Constabulary has been recognised as one of the UK’s Best Employers for Race.

“Diversity is a trait of high-performing organisations, and it is important that we build relationships across all of our communities and are a force that is truly representative of those we serve.”

“We have seen a fantastic response through the work of our Equality and Inclusion Action Groups, our People Strategy, as well as our Positive Action Internship.

“Our Black, Ethnic and Minority network group are so experienced and passionate about improving all we do for our BAME communities and staff, and today’s acknowledgement by Business in the Community is testament to the group’s perseverance in challenging prejudice and championing greater equality in policing.”

Sandra Kerr OBE, Race Equality Director at Business in the Community, said: “Congratulations to Hampshire 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.”