West Midlands Police accused of ‘discriminating against white male officers’

Nov 23, 2018 by Jill

by Jeannette Oldham, Coventry Live:

White male officers were blocked from promotion by West Midlands Police in order to give women and ethnic minority candidates a better chance.

But the force has now ‘paused’ the application process after itself being accused of discrimination by the Police Federation union.

The controversial promotion system was drawn up by its newly formed People and Organisation Development (POD) which has an annual budget of more than £17million.

POD was created last year and boasts a staff of more than 400 people, including its £123,000-a-year director, a Head of Diversity and Inclusion earning up to £65,751 per annum, a Positive Action Manager on £46,422 a year, and a Head of Wellbeing on up to £65,000 annually, reports the Birmingham Mail.

[…] “We have seen a significant increase in the number of people from under-represented groups who have been promoted, including women and BAME candidates, which is part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring the force is more representative of the communities we serve.

“This is the first time that West Midlands officers have had such open access to personal development and preparation support before attending a promotions assessment centre, and for their views to be heard in the planning and design of the promotions strategy.

“Our positive action approach supports officers from all under-represented groups, including women, LGBTQ colleagues, people with disabilities, members of BAME communities and colleagues who perceive age to be a factor.

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