Hampshire Constabulary are today celebrating being named as Britain’s top-performing police force for the LGB community for the third year running, in Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index.
The force, who also rank as over second in the index overall and top for the public sector, were cited for the work of it’s LGBT Resource Group.
The group has arranged events including a joint seminar with the Hampshire Christian Police Association, school visits by Lesbian and Gay Liaison Officers (LAGLOs) to talk about homophobic bullying and working with the Royal Military Police to help establish a network of LAGLOs.
Chief Constable Alex Marshall, who this year marched in the Brighton Pride parade with his LGBT officers said:
“My team of police officers, staff and volunteers does a brilliant job to ensure we treat everyone fairly and equally regardless of sexual orientation.
“In a year in which we were awarded gold in the Disability Standard, it is hugely pleasing to also maintain our position as the top public sector organisation in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index.
“I set my force the challenge of holding our Stonewall standing while improving in other areas of diversity. They have delivered.”
Inspector Julie Fry, who chairs the Hampshire Police LGBT Resource Group said:
“With more applicants [to the Stonewall index] than before, and the bar raised yearly, we’re especially pleased to have maintained our position in this year’s Stonewall Workplace Equality Index.
“However, we’re not complacent. There’s still more we can do and we’ve still got the number one position firmly in our sights!
“It’s incredibly hard to measure ‘culture’ and ‘environment,’ but the index gives us a chance to review the work we’re doing across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and ensure we never take our eye off the ball.
“It’s rewarding to know the hard work and commitment of so many people working within this area is reflected in the assessment made by Stonewall.”