Contact: Claire Rowland-Kling Telephone: 01905 331674

Date: 22^nd May 2008 Ref: 220508NationalDiversityTraining

Senior management team achieves diversity standard

West Mercia Constabulary's senior management team have all successfully achieved the National Occupational Standards for Diversity.

Chief Constable Paul West; Deputy Chief Constable Ian Arundale; Assistant Chief Constable Simon Chesterman; Assistant Chief Constable Peter Wright and Director of Finance Steve Howarth are the first people at West Mercia Constabulary to complete the assessment.

The National Occupational Standards for Diversity assessment is the latest phase of the force's diversity awareness programme.

Superintendent Andy Parkes, Head of Diversity at West Mercia Constabulary, said:

“The ongoing programme of diversity awareness, which formally started in 2001, requires all officers, staff and volunteers to understand and be responsive to the needs of diverse communities in their day to day roles.

“This latest phase of training, which will be delivered to all members of the force, enables the organisation to assess individual understanding, see how it is being put into practise and where necessary provide additional guidance to ensure the six main strands of diversity: race, religion and faith, gender, sexual orientation, age and disability are recognised and appreciated.

“West Mercia Constabulary is committed to ensuring its entire workforce achieves the national diversity standard because we want all of the communities across Herefordshire; Shropshire; Telford & Wrekin and Worcestershire to receive a good quality service and have confidence in the officers and staff who serve them.”

The assessments were carried out by NVQ/NOS Co-ordinator Jane McHugh and DCC Arundale, who has also been trained as an assessor.

Jane McHugh explains:

“The assessment is based on judgements made by an assessor during a discussion and while examining evidence from an individual's daily workplace.

“The one to one assessments enable the force to confirm that individuals are dealing with people in a lawful, professional, courteous and positive manner. It also raises awareness among staff about how important it is to understand the needs of the communities they serve and respond appropriately to them.”

All members of the force will be required to show how they have achieved the Diversity AA1 Standard by 2010.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Photo L-R DCC Ian Arundale, ACC Simon Chesterman, Supt Andy Parkes (Head of Diversity), Jane McHugh, CC Paul West, Director of Finance Steve Howarth, ACC Peter Wright

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24 hour media line : 0871 220 7790

Continuation

MEDIA RELEASE

www.westmercia.police.uk

24 hour media line : 0871 220 7790

Policing in Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Worcestershire