Diversity Directorate
For more information about the Diversity Directorate email us at DiversityDirectorate2@surrey.pnn.police.uk
Surrey Police recognises that all individuals are different and that those differences are valuable to the organisation. By recognising, understanding and valuing diversity, the Force is creating an environment where people feel included, able to be themselves, and can then contribute to their full potential.
The Diversity Directorate was set up to help Surrey Police to ensure that diversity and equality is a central and vital part of our policies, procedures and decision making process. There are two strands to the Diversity Directorate: Internal and External.
Internally the Directorate act as a co-ordinator of the Surrey Police Diversity Programme to ensure that Surrey Police comply with Acts and directives such as;
- Race Relations (Amendments) Act 2000
- Disability Discrimination Act 1995
- Sex Discrimination Act 1975
- Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003
- Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003
- Employment Directive as set out by the EU
By complying with these Acts Surrey Police are able to provide better service and opportunities to all – members of staff and the public.
Surrey Police recognises that all individuals are different and that those differences are valuable and strengthen an organisation. By recognising, understanding and valuing diversity Surrey Police is creating an environment where people feel included, able to be themselves and can contribute to their full potential.
The Diversity Directorate also provides guidance and support for officers and staff by promoting the different support groups available to minority members of staff. These support groups are not exclusive and help to provide information and guidance for all.
Externally, the Directorate provide a liaison point between communities and the police. It aims to build confidence and trust within the communities of Surrey to enable the organisation to deliver a more effective and equitable service, to gather better intelligence and to improve performance.
Independent Advisory Group (IAG)
One of the most important resources Surrey Police has is the Independent Advisory Group (IAG). The IAG helps Surrey to appreciate the particular experiences and needs of individual communities.
The IAG for Surrey was formed in May 2001 as a direct result of the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry conducted by Lord McPherson. The report criticised certain aspects of policing in relation to investigating "major or critical incidents" particularly where these might have an impact on public confidence.
Surrey Police Race Equality Scheme
The Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 resulted from recommendations of the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry report. It is complementary to the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and the Human Rights Act 1998. It extends and strengthens the Race Relations Act 1976.
One of the requirements of the RR(A)Act is the publication of Race Equality Scheme
Download the Race Equality Scheme (PDF - 151kb).
Download the Equality Impact Assessment Form Part A (PDF - 62kb).
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Surrey Police Association of Culture and Ethnicity
The Surrey Police Association of Culture & Ethnicity (SPACE) observes, promotes and supports cultural awareness within Surrey Police and the community.
SPACE liaises with internal and external associations, groups and individuals with a view to valuing diversity, breaking down barriers, challenging discrimination and accepting and understanding all individuals within the force and the wider community.
To help raise awareness, the Association contributes to the research and development of diversity materials and works closely with the Surrey Police Diversity Directorate.
The Association´s principal aims are to:
- Provide a support and social network for ethnic minority officers and staff
- Encourage the use of core skills and abilities to promote cultural understanding
- Provide a consultative forum on police matters involving ethnic diversity issues, thus enhancing racial harmony and quality of service to the people of Surrey
- Support Surrey Police in the long-term investment to forward the recruitment and retention of people from ethnic minorities
- Raise the profile of, and give a voice to officers of minority ethnic origin – particularly on issues of diversity and equality
- Provide an advisory and consultative forum to Surrey Police for policies, to take full account of the needs of staff and communities with ethnic minority backgrounds
- Work with other groups and individuals whose aims and objectives are compatible with or supportive of SPACE
- Provide representation on the National Black Police Association (NBPA) in order to voice the views of ethnic minority staff on a national level
Diversity Directorate
The Diversity Directorate are responsible for promoting and complying with the organisation's Race Equality Scheme, Surrey Police Association of Culture & Ethnicity (SPACE),Disability Equality Scheme and Gender Equality Scheme.
Diversity Recruitment
The job of a police officer is often seen as challenging – possibly even more so if you have an ethnic background, are from the gay community or have a disability. Surrey Police are committed to working with all sections of our community, in particular with those from under represented groups. Regular presentation events are held at our Guildford headquarters which provide you with detailed information about being an officer.