Ethnically diverse officers and staff

Freedom of information request reference no: 228/25

REQUEST

1. How many minority officers and staff, categorised by race and ethnicity, were promoted each month from January 2022 to January 2023

 

2. How many minority officers and staff, categorized by race and ethnicity, joined the police service each month from January 2022 to January 2023?

 

3. How many changes to recruitment or promotion policies were made annually since January 2022? What months? Please specify how many were directly linked to recommendations from diversity reviews or external pressures.

 

RESPONSE

 

We have a strong commitment to equality and diversity both within the organisation and in the service we provide. Our aim is to attract, recruit, support and promote talented individuals who represent the diverse communities we serve across South Wales.

 

To value difference, we must be inclusive. We recognise that people with a variety of skills, attitudes and experiences, from diverse backgrounds and cultures, bring fresh ideas and perspectives. Encouraging and harnessing these differences can only enhance South Wales Police and we are committed to achieving a workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. In delivering our policing service it is vital we gain the trust and confidence of all our communities and keenly promote diversity and inclusion for everyone.

 

We have consulted with our Human Resources Department who have provided us with the below information to answer your request.

 

Question 1

 

Please see the below table that provides the number of ethnically diverse officers who were successful in the reference period following a promotion process:

 

Officer Promotion Process	Ethnically Diverse
Feb-22	1
May-22	1
Jul-22	3
Sep-22	0
Nov-22	0
Jan-23	0

 

Please be advised, only officers have a specific promotion process. Police staff can apply for different/higher level roles; however, are not subject to a promotion process. Staff are therefore, not included in this data.

Question 2

 

Please see the below tables that provide the number of ethnically diverse officers and staff appointed in the reference period:

 

Officer Intakes	Ethnically Diverse
Jan-22	6
Mar-22	6
Jul-22	0
Sep-22	5

 

Staff Joiners	Ethnically Diverse
Jan-22	1
Feb-22	1
Mar-22	1
Apr-22	2
May-22	0
Jun-22	0
Jul-22	1
Aug-22	0
Sep-22	2
Oct-22	0
Nov-22	0
Dec-22	1

 

Question 3

 

We can advise that there have been no specific changes to promotion processes directly linked to diversity reviews or 'external pressures’

 

A new promotions policy is being developed but has not been finalised which will further document good practice protocols for all candidates.

 

A new guide to promotions was also published in December 2024 and a new Sergeant Assessment Centre was implemented to better test operational competence in June 2024.

 

Please note, a new timetable and guide to promotions is updated each year to reflect updates/changes.

South Wales Police looks to improve policies through continuous improvement and changes have been made in order to improve the assessment of candidates and associated processes. These are made following consultation with key stakeholders. Policies are reviewed to ensure there is no adverse impacts on applicants with protected characteristics – we strive to become an employer of choice for all. Our aim is to attract, recruit, support and promote talented individuals who represent the diverse communities we serve across South Wales.

 

A new resourcing policy has been implemented. This was a new policy which amalgamated existing guidance with a view to making it easier for individuals to locate relevant advice and guidance in March 2024.

 

Changes can also occur following updates in guidance from the College of Policing and the Home Office and other relevant bodies – although, we do not have a record of how many pieces of new guidance have been issued since January 2022.

 

With respect to diversity, the following links on our website provide some additional information:

 

Our Equality Objectives | South Wales Police

Our recruitment commitment | South Wales Police