Equality and Diversity

Dyfed-Powys Police Authority is committed to ensuring that equality considerations are embedded in all of our functions, policies, procedures and practices.  As the body responsible for securing the maintenance of an efficient and effective Police Force, it is our duty to eliminate discrimination, promote equal opportunities and support good relations between all.

Our vision is as follows:

Equality and diversity shall be embedded in our everyday work of Dyfed-Powys Police Authority, as we are committed to ensuring:

• Everyone is treated fairly, recognising and respecting race, religion, ethnic origin, age, disability, sexual orientation and gender;
• Policies and practices are designed not to discriminate against any individual or group;
• Information about the Authority is available to all – the Authority wishes to be open and transparent in the way in which the Authority functions and delivers in respect of its responsibilities;
• Complaints of discrimination will be taken seriously;
• Consultation with and participation of our diverse communities, to ensure service provision meets their needs and expectations.

Dyfed-Powys Police Authority is committed to working with the Dyfed-Powys Police Force to ensure that every person and every employee who deals with the Authority is satisfied that they will be treated equally and without discrimination.

Public Sector Equality Duty

The Equality Act, 2010 comprises both general and specific duties.  The general  duties states that a public authority must, in the exercise of its functions, have due regard to the need to:

• Eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation and any other conduct that is prohibited by or under the Equality Act 2010;
• Advance equality of opportunity between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and persons who do not share it;
• Foster good relations between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and persons who do not share it.

The relevant protected characteristics are: age, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

To view information outlining how the Authority has worked towards achieving the public sector equality duty, click here (PDF, 273KB). 

Our Equality Objectives

Public Sector organisations (including Police Authorities) in England and Wales are required to produce ‘one or more equality objectives’ that they think they should achieve to meet the Equality Duty.

The Authority’s objectives are based on research and evidence and are reflective of the organisation’s role and function, which is one of scrutiny and accountability.  Consultation with our diverse communities is fundamental to ensuring the Authority’s statutory functions are met.  To view the consultation document, click here (PDF, 210KB).

If you would like to provide us with feedback about our equality objectives, please click here.  This consultation will come to an end on 29 February 2012.

Single Equality Scheme

In support of our commitment to equality and diversity, the Authority has developed a Single Equality Scheme, which underpins the ethos of policing in Dyfed-Powys.  The decisions we make in consultation with you have a real impact on the lives of our local people and this Single Equality Scheme and the accompanying Action Plan sets out how we will build equality and diversity into policy development, employment practices, and the provision of services thereby helping to build trust and confidence amongst our communities and members of staff.  By working towards the accomplishment of all actions detailed within this Scheme, we are actively demonstrating our commitment to fully supporting the legislative changes that the Equality Act 2010 brings.  To view our Single Equality Scheme and supporting action plan click here.

Confidence and Equality Groups
Each of the four counties that make up Dyfed-Powys has set up Confidence and Equality Groups. These groups are organised by the police and are attended by Police Authority Members in each County.

The purpose of these forums is to ensure access by under-represented groups within the community to the police and to provide a forum to discuss and resolve the needs and concerns of the community.

Independent Advisory Group (IAG)
The first meeting of Dyfed-Powys Police and Police Authority Independent Advisory Group took place in September 2011. This is an important milestone, and the first time the Force and Authority have established our own Board of Advisors with whom we can consult formally about our policies, procedures and practices and their impact upon our diverse communities.
 
The IAG consists of a cross-representation of the area’s diverse communities of interest, in terms of age, gender, gender reassignment, disability, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, and Welsh language.
 
The Group currently consists of 9 Advisors, and we hope to recruit more during an induction and assessment event in November.  Recruitment to the IAG follows a fair and transparent process, and asks applicants to take part in a group discussion in order to assess their suitability to the role. Applicants are vetted to Non Police Personnel Vetting (NPPV) Level 2, in line with the National ACPO Vetting Policy.
 
The IAG will meet 3 times annually and will work to an agreed work plan, with priorities being set by both Dyfed-Powys Police and Dyfed-Powys Police Authority.

If you are interested in applying to become a Member of the Independent Advisory Group, click here for further information and an application pack.

Stop and Search 
The Authority has a responsibility to raise awareness of individual’s rights if they are ever stopped and searched by police. 

Stop and search is a police power given by law which if used in the right way, can help prevent crime.  Did you know that if you are stopped and searched, there some rules that police have to follow?  Leaflets explaining your rights and a list of frequently asked questions in respect of 'stops' and 'stop searches' can be downloaded here (PDF, 156KB)

A summary of your rights can be downloaded here (PDF, 100KB)