Devon and Cornwall are home to over 1.7 million people, with 11 million more visiting us every year.  We are recognised nationally and internationally for the quality of our policing and are proud that our crime rates are among the very lowest in the country.   Across the peninsula, our places and communities are increasingly diverse.  The Black Lives Matter movement and the inequalities in outcomes for minority groups, exacerbated by the global pandemic, have strengthened our resolve to become an exemplar for best practice in equality, diversity & inclusion. 

About the role

As head of our corporate equalities unit, you will take forward the work we are doing, bringing critical challenge, constructive support and expertise.  You will shine a light on all aspects of the Force’s business, ensuring ED&I is at the heart of all our strategies, policies and operational delivery.

Working in partnership will be key to delivery in this role.  You will take a system wide approach, building on existing strong relationships with community leaders, the voluntary sector and other public agencies.

You will develop our approach to the collection and analysis of data and information, so that we can act decisively and provide assurance to our communities.  You will consider all aspects of policing, including prevention, reporting, investigation, victim and witness care and custody.

We are determined to attract, develop and promote officers and staff who are representative of the communities we serve.  You will work with the Force’s senior leadership as well as our recruitment and communications teams to challenge our existing practices and develop our employer brand as an inclusive employer. 

About you

You will bring experience of working and influencing at executive and senior levels in an organisation to make the case for change on issues relating to equality, diversity and inclusion practice.  Effective in building relationships both internally and across communities and partnerships, you will be able to apply your knowledge, expertise and insight to assess and communicate the impact of policies on protected groups.   Policing knowledge is not a requirement, but we will expect you to bring wide ranging knowledge and expertise of equality, human rights and employment legislation and ED&I practice, as well as the wider determinants of inequality in society. 

Why this role?

Succeed in this role and you will have conceived and delivered a generational plan for change and excellence, while providing confidence to our communities and partners that we are actively building a police force for today that places ED&I at the heart of everything we do. 

Current nationwide investment in policing numbers means you will have the opportunity to influence a generation of police recruits serving for the next 35 years, profoundly changing who we employ, train and retain, in higher numbers than ever before.

You will have the opportunity to contribute at a national level, establishing a profile for both Devon & Cornwall Police and yourself at the forefront of new approaches to ED&I.  You will be joining an internationally recognised and award-winning police force, a world leader in the development and deployment of digital technology.   We continue to invest heavily in the wellbeing of our people, recognising that healthy and well staff provide quality services to communities.

How to apply

Application is by CV and covering letter.  Please click on the apply button to access a candidate pack, including a role profile and further information on the recruitment process. 

The closing date for applications is Monday 1^st February 2021