What is Positive Action?
Positive Action is a range of measures and initiatives that we can lawfully take to actively encourage people from communities that are under-represented to bring their talent, experiences and expertise to our organisation when applying to join us.
When applying to join us, our selection processes are no different. Through the use of Positive Action, we do not seek to remove competition, rather, to allow everyone the same level of opportunity where final selection for a post is always made on the merit of the applicant.
We aim to build our workforce so that it reflects the rich diversity and complexities of our communities by attracting the best talent from the widest pool of people.
We use the term ‘under-represented’ to describe where the diversity of the communities we serve is not accurately reflected in our workforce and are proud to have a policy where we utilise Positive Action to help us achieve this.
Is it the same as Positive Discrimination?
In a word, no. The two are very different and are very often confused.
Positive Discrimination means employing someone just because they come from an under-represented group giving an unfair advantage and is unlawful.
Positive Action is a lawful activity to ensure there is fairness to all that apply where everyone has a ‘level playing field’ from the start.
Our under-representation
UK legislation enabled Positive Action initiatives and activities to take place, where an under-represented group is identified around issues of Gender, Disability, Race, Age, Sexual Orientation and Religion or Belief. This is not a legal requirement but there are provisions that have been made available within the Equality Act 2010 for positive action to take place.
Devon & Cornwall Police and Dorset Police are under-represented by:
- Women (in police constable, detective constable and special constable roles)*
- People who are Black, Asian or of ethnic heritage
- People with disabilities or neurodiversity
*We are not generally under-represented by women in police staff roles and therefore cannot offer support to women in relation to police staff roles unless they fall within one of the other under-represented groups. Occasionally there are exceptions to this where under-representation is identified within a specific team or department.
Support Available
Upon registering with positive action, you will receive access to an online support programme containing resources and materials to help you prepare for your recruitment process.
Within the online support programme there are links to book 1-2-1 support sessions should you need them. You can also contact the team with any questions or concerns.
To access support you will need to be eligible for positive action support and register with us, which you can do below.
If you are not sure whether you are eligible for positive action support or if you require any assistance with your registration please email us: