DORSET Police is launching an equality, diversity and inclusion programme and survey – and is asking members of the public to get involved.

Equality, diversity and inclusion is one of the force’s priorities and a programme of work is underway to ensure Dorset Police is an employer and public service that is diverse and inclusive, while putting equality at the heart of everything it does.

The force has teamed up with an independent, external diversity and inclusion provider, Mahogany Inclusion Partners, to carry out this anonymous and independent programme.

A series of safe space conversations are to be held in July and an online anonymous survey has now launched in a bid to understand what is important to the people of Dorset, what works well and where the force can make improvements.

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Assistant Chief Officer Jo Mosley, Director of People and Support Services at Dorset Police, said: “In order to actively build trust and respect for all communities, identities and groups across Dorset, it is crucial that we are diverse and inclusive.

“We know that to be effective in preventing and reducing crime, we need a police force that is trusted, respected and accountable, and one that represents, respects and protects everyone.

“We know that it is not always easy for some individuals to be completely open about their views, so we have engaged an independent, external diversity and inclusion provider to lead this piece of work.

“The team will collate feedback from across the force and the Dorset community and will confidentially present the insights to the force and make recommendations for our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy. The strategy and action plan will be made publicly available later in the year.

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“We need to hear about your thoughts, perspectives and experiences so we can develop a strategy that delivers what our community needs and makes Dorset a truly inclusive police force.”

Mahogany Inclusion Partners are scheduling some confidential safe space conversations, to enable open sharing and understanding of unique experiences. These conversations will be held in the weeks commencing July 18 and July 25. Sign up to register your interest before the end of the day on July 1 at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/DPEXTSIGNUP

Meanwhile the confidential online survey can be accessed at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/DPEXTSURVEY