Ensuring every individual can feel safe and have a sense of belonging, both within the workforce and communities of West Mercia, is one of the overarching principles of PCC John Campion’s West Mercia Safer Communities Plan.
The progress West Mercia Police is making towards this will be discussed at the next Assurance and Accountability meeting between the PCC and Chief Constable Richard Cooper on Wednesday 26 March.
As part of the meeting, PCC John Campion will review how well the force’s culture and values are being delivered in the workplace, alongside community representation and engagement.
Making sure talent within a diverse workforce is developed and encouraged so that fewer officers, staff and new recruits leave policing, is crucial to maintaining a representative workforce.
Close attention to training and attrition rates will also be under the spotlight, together with satisfaction rates with victims who are disabled.
The session will also involve an overview of the force’s Independent Advisory Groups (IAGs) and scrutiny panels, to ensure they are representative of the West Mercia community and provide an effective engagement mechanism that informs the working operation of the organisation.
Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said:
“I am determined that every member of the public has equal access to the police service when they need it, regardless of geography, personal characteristics, or circumstance.
“Attracting and retaining officers, staff and volunteers that reflect the communities of West Mercia will help achieve that goal, and so it is important that equality of opportunity is fair and accessible to all.”
