This just in from the Police. Ed
Hampshire Constabulary has once again been named as the UK’s most ‘gay-friendly’ police force.
It came fourth overall in this year’s Stonewall Workplace Equality Index.
Chief Constable Alex Marshall, who is the force’s lead on Fairness and Equality, said: “This is the fourth year in a row Hampshire Constabulary has been named as the UK’s top performing police force for lesbian, gay and bisexual people.
“Not only is it a great honour, it’s also testament to our year-on-year commitment to providing an excellent service to every one of the diverse communities we serve.
“Naturally, having come second nationally in previous years, we would have liked to have made the top spot this time round, but to remain in the top five, and to do so consistently, is a huge achievement.”
‘Challenging times’
Although Hampshire Constabulary’s score increased this year, the competition was also much tougher.
A record number of organisations entered the index, up from 352 in 2010 to 378, and the threshold score to get into the top 100 increased from 66 to 73 per cent.
Mr Marshall continued: “The police service as whole is going through a period of significant change and will face many challenges over the coming years.
“I’m confident, however, that Hampshire Constabulary can continue to lead the way in delivering equality for LGB people and will remain an employer of choice for police officers and police staff regardless of sexual orientation.”
Achievements
For a fourth year running, Hampshire Constabulary’s police officers were permitted to march in uniform in the Brighton Pride parade. The force was represented at the event in August by police officers, police community support officers and police staff and led by Assistant Chief Constable Steve Dann.
Their involvement in the march was organised by the constabulary’s Hampshire Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGB&T) Resource Group, which was established in 2000.
The group was once again honoured by Stonewall as a Star Performer and chair, Inspector Julie Fry, said: “I’m proud of the achievements the Resource Group has made over the last decade. We’re the driving force that ensures the police service in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight continues to treat LGB&T people fairly and equally.
“It’s not about political correctness or bringing our personal lives to work: it’s about making sure staff can do their job to the best of their abilities and that LGB&T people who come into contact with the police, whether as a victim, witness or suspect, for example, are treated no differently than anyone else.
“We’ve got an extensive network of Lesbian and Gay Liaison officers (LAGLOs) across the force who work closely LGB&T communities and help get justice for the victims of homophobic and transphobic hate crimes.
“Our continued success with Stonewall over the last few years prompted our partners in the fire service, military and other police forces to approach us for advice in developing their own services for LGB&T people.
“In the same way, we’ll be looking at those organisations who topped this year’s index to see how we can continue to improve our own standing.”
For more information about Hampshire Constabulary’s LAGLOs, and for details of how to report hate crime, log on to the website
