West Yorkshire Police today (10 April) rejected allegations of positive discrimination in the UK media that white British born candidates were being denied employment as part efforts to increase diversity.
West Yorkshire Police, according to reports in the Telegraph and other publications, had allowed applicants from under-represented groups, to submit their applications early, while applications by white British-born applicants were allegedly concealed. WYP said that interviews would not be held until the recruitment window was open. This policy, it claimed, complied with the Equality Act 2010 in full.
Former police officers accuse the force of running a secret recruitment policy which targets certain groups.
These allegations follow the publication of an independent review last week on Thames Valley Police DEI practices. This was ordered after three white police officers were successful in their race discrimination claims for not being promoted.
The review concluded that Thames Valley’s “positive action progress programme” had resulted in positive discrimination and created a “divided workplace”.
The Telegraph reported that a whistleblower “heavily engaged” in the sifting of WYP applications had raised concerns about the policy, but was told not to interfere. The whistleblower was a former police officer who retired last year.
He said that black and far-east Asian candidates are considered to be particularly under-represented, and they were given “gold” rankings. Those of south-east Asian descent were placed on the silver tier.
Bronze was awarded to “white others”, including candidates with Irish or eastern European heritage.
The Telegraph reported that (anonymous), employment lawyers had informed it that WYP recruitment processes crossed the line into positive discrimination which is illegal under the Equality Act.
on the WYP website states that “We are accepting applications from under-represented people for our two police constable entry programs (uniform or detective). If you do not belong to one of these groups please check this page regularly for future recruitment opportunities.” Recruitment for people who are not under-represented will be open throughout the year depending on applicant numbers.
WYP responded to the Telegraph article by stating that its policies were fully compliant with the Equality Act 2010 which allows for “positive actions” to be taken to ensure equal opportunity. The statement read: “Our diversity equality and inclusion team consults and supports those with different protected qualities such as sex and disability, sexuality, race, and sexual orientation to ensure that their views can affect and improve the services the force provides.” They also strive to improve inclusivity and the overall wellbeing of everyone in the organization.
The statement clarified that the Equality Act was not violated, contrary to what news reports implied. The most recent census revealed that 23% people in West Yorkshire identify as belonging to an ethnic minority. The current proportion of police officers from ethnic minorities is about 9%.
“To address this under-representation, we use positive action under the Equality Act 2010. His Majesty’s Inspection of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services recently reviewed our use of this in an Activism and Impairment inspection and found no issues.”
Positive action allows those from underrepresented groups to express their interest in joining the police force by completing an application. This is held until a recruitment period is open. The force stated that no interviews would be held until all candidates were officially invited to apply.
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