The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner has today (April 3) published an independent review into the force’s handling of the loss of the Employment Tribunal and its diversity, inclusion and equalities policies more broadly.
The independent review, led by Kerrin Wilson QPM, was instigated following an employment tribunal published in August 2024, which found that the force had discriminated against three white police officers who raised concerns about race discrimination after not being provided the same opportunity to apply for a role as others.
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The published report points to a number of areas of learning for the force, which Chief Constable Jason Hogg is leading on implementing.
Publishing the report, police and crime commissioner for Thames Valley, Matthew Barber, said: “Thames Valley Police was found to be wrong when making an appointment for a posting in the Priority Crime Team and I wanted to properly understand what happened and how this case fitted in with their general approach to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion in the force.
“The findings show that mistakes were made and that there was a lack of consistency, information and inclusion in the way policies were applied, leaving parts of the organisation feeling left out and overlooked.
“Due regard should be given to all staff.
“A wide range of recommendations focuses on key areas of central oversight, training, better alignment with relevant bodies, internal communications, internal recruitment and career advancement programmes.
“These, if implemented, will go a long way to address the issues identified.”
The report ‘strongly questions’ the processes and governance of the Positive Action Progression Programme (PAPP) and how that led to the loss of the employment tribunal, in turn creating uncertainty and divisions among colleagues in the force, which internal communications did not properly address.
It also notes a national lack of specific training for police forces in some relevant areas such as equalities legislation.
Mr Hogg added: “The review’s findings and recommendations will help guide our next steps as we work together to foster an environment where all our people feel valued and supported.
“Thames Valley Police takes these recommendations seriously and will use them as it seeks to improve.
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“I am also pleased that the report recognises that Thames Valley Police is an organisation that has “wonderful people with passion and ways of working that deliver excellent policing for its communities” and that the force is effective in tackling crime and supporting those most vulnerable.”
Key recommendations cover areas such as getting buy-in from the whole organisation for diversity initiatives and utilising existing networks and schemes already established. It also highlights the importance of Equality Impact Assessments, management and other staff training, reviewing internal selection and recruitment processes and striving for parity in how different staff groups are treated.
