What is Positive Action?

Positive Action is a set of lawful initiatives we use to actively encourage individuals from under-represented communities to apply and bring their skills, experiences, and perspectives to our organisation.

It’s important to note that our recruitment and selection processes remain fair and competitive. Positive Action does not remove competition—it ensures everyone has equal access to opportunities. Final hiring decisions are always based on merit.

Our goal is to build a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve by attracting the best talent from the widest range of backgrounds.

We use the term under-represented when the diversity of our workforce does not reflect that of our communities. Positive Action is one of the ways we are working to change that.

Who do we help?

Positive Action means helping but not automatically privileging someone due to a protected characteristic. Protected characteristics are;

• Age
• Sexual Orientation
• Gender Reassignment
• Pregnancy & Maternity
• Disability
• Sex
• Marriage / Civil Partnership
• Race
• Religion or Belief (including lack of)

How can we help you?

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Skills Development

• Pre-employment Training: We offer workshops in CV writing, interview skills, and digital literacy.
• Mentoring and Coaching: Provide access to role models, mentors, or career coaches who reflect the community’s diversity.

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Access and Opportunities

• Inclusive Job Design: We work with all areas of the Constabulary to ensure roles are genuinely accessible (e.g., flexible hours, disability accommodations).
• Work Experience and Shadowing: We can help arrange job shadowing opportunities, giving you the chance to observe different roles firsthand and gain a clear understanding of what each job involves.
• Application Support: We help candidates navigate application processes, including guidance on assessments and interviews.

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Removing Barriers

• Advocacy: We identify and challenge systemic barriers like credential recognition, childcare access, or transport limitations.
• Bias Training: We support employers with unconscious bias and inclusive hiring training.

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Ongoing Support

• In-Work Support: We provide coaching and check-ins for newly employed individuals to support retention.
• Feedback Loops: Use lived experience from the community to shape future strategies and refine support.
• Support Networks: We connect employees with peer support groups and leadership development opportunities, enabling them to share experiences, build their skills, and guide others in their career journeys.