DEI Strategy, Duties and Objectives

Our Diversity, Equality & Inclusion Strategy sets out our ambition for creating an effective, efficient and representative workforce for West Yorkshire which builds trust and confidence across all communities and groups. The strategy recognises that equality, diversity and human rights are an integral part of everyday business and is the responsibility of every individual involved or connected with West Yorkshire Police in whatever capacity.

We are a Disability Confident Leader under the Department of Work and Pensions Disability Confident Scheme. Achievement of this award reflects our unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where individuals of all abilities are valued, respected, and given equal opportunities.

When reviewing or developing new policies, projects and working practices, People Impact Assessments are carried out to ensure that people’s basic rights and the needs of diverse communities and individuals, such as those who may be the most disadvantaged or excluded in society, are consciously and properly considered.  

Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Strategy 2024 - 2026

Our updated DEI Strategy serves as a two-year approach establishing how we can deliver tangible and sustained change to create a fair, inclusive, equitable service and workplace for all. It aligns with the National Police Chiefs Council DEI Strategy 2018 - 2025 (this links to an external document which may not be fully accessible) and our Operational Policing Strategy 2023 - 2028.  

Created in consultation with internal and external stakeholders, the strategy is informed by those who are impacted most by our decisions and actions. Part of our approach is to ensure that all those who work to keep West Yorkshire safe, including regional units and partnership organisations, feel involved in the work underpinning this strategy. 

This strategy incorporates the updated census 2021 data to provide an accurate understanding as to the identity and characteristics of people in West Yorkshire.

West Yorkshire Police Diversity Equality and Inclusion Strategy 2024 - 2026 - accessible / HTML version

Equality objectives 

Our equality objectives apply to the service we deliver to the public and how we interact with our colleagues. They are specific and measurable to demonstrate how we are eliminating discrimination, advancing equality and fostering good relations. By meeting our equality objectives, we can effectively achieve our purpose of reducing crime, protecting vulnerable people and reassuring the public. Our equality objectives are:

  • Protected: A police service that protects people from crime and seeks justice for victims.
  • Respected: A police service that is perceived by everyone to be fair, respectful and equitable in all that it says and does.
  • Involved: A police service where people from all backgrounds can, and do, input into its governance.
  • Represented: A police service that is representative of the public it serves, and welcomes and encourages difference in its officers, staff and volunteers. 

Equality information 

West Yorkshire Police, as required by other public bodies with more than 150 employees in the UK, must publish information to show how we comply with the Public Sector Equality Duty under the Equality Act 2010.  You can find out more information about the Act and the Duty at the GOV.UK website.


Our annual equality information is published in two reports:-

  • Equality Information Report - how we deliver our services and about our workforce
  • Equality Objectives progress report 
     

Publications to view on-line or download

Equality Information Report 2022/23 - accessible HTML version

West Yorkshire Police Equality Objectives Progress Report 2020/21 (PDF)

West Yorkshire Police Equality Objectives Progress Report 2020/21 - Easy Read  (PDF)

Archive Equality Information

Previous versions may be requested through a Freedom of Information request

If you require our equality information in an alternative format, please contact us to request or discuss your needs.

The commitment we make to the equality duty does not affect our other duties, such as the access to information provided by the Freedom of Information Act.

In addition, further West Yorkshire data can be accessed from POLICE.UK
 

 

Page last reviewed February 2024