Positive action

Dyfed-Powys Police is committed to recruiting more people from our diverse communities in order to be fully representative of the communities we serve.

Applicants from all backgrounds and ethnic groups are encouraged to apply. We are committed to making equality a reality both within the organisation and through the policing service we provide.

What is positive action?

Positive action is about creating a level playing field to enable people to compete on equal terms. It describes a range of lawful actions that seek to overcome or minimise disadvantages in employment opportunities that people who share a protected characteristic have experiences, or to meet their different needs.

The Equality Act 2010 allows employers to use positive action in recruitment and promotion.

Positive action stops before any part of the selection process – and therefore does not mean providing an unfair advantage to certain candidates because of their Protected Characteristics.

Isn’t that just positive discrimination?

No. Positive action is often confused with positive discrimination. Positive action does not mean people will be recruited simply because of their gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation. This is ‘positive discrimination’ which is unlawful.

We treat all applicants equally and recruitment is based on merit. It is often perceived that positive action includes lowering the bar in order to increase the diversity of our Force - this is not the case.

It is simply intended to overcome or minimise disadvantages in employment opportunities that some people experience. This could be as simple as breaking down the preconception and myths that some communities may have in relation to the Police.

Who does positive action apply to?

We are committed to achieving a workforce that is representative of the communities we serve, and in doing so, encouraging individuals from our diverse communities to apply.

The nine protected characteristics as defined by the Equality Act 2010 are:

• Age
• Disability
• Gender reassignment
• Marriage and civil partnership
• Pregnancy and maternity
• Race
• Religion or belief
• Sex
• Sexual orientation

Need further information?

Dyfed-Powys Police are also proud to have a number of staff networks which support the force in providing support to under-represented groups by positive action recruitment and retention initiatives

• Ability Support Network
• LGBT+ Support Network
• Gender Equality Network
• Christian Police Association
• Ethnic Minority Support Network

Should you have any queries in relation to the above, or wish to seek further information with regards to positive action and how you can get involved then contact the Positive Action Team by emailing [email protected]