A fair, diverse and inclusive workplace
A fair, diverse and inclusive workplace
We value diversity because it helps us connect with and better serve our communities. With so many diverse communities in Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland, it’s important our workforce reflects that. We're committed to supporting all staff, promoting equality, and being an employer of choice for everyone.
Positive action and positive discrimination are not the same. Positive discrimination is illegal, but positive action is legal, encouraged, and often necessary. Positive action supports individuals from under-represented groups, helping them overcome disadvantages so they can compete on equal footing with everyone else. It’s about creating opportunities for all, based on merit, while promoting a fair and inclusive work environment.
Positive action helps us identify and remove barriers that might prevent under-represented groups from joining, staying, or progressing within the force, all while ensuring we hire based on merit. It’s not about giving preferential treatment but about creating a level playing field so everyone can compete fairly.
We understand there are obstacles people may face in their journey to join us or settle in. Through positive action, we aim to break down those barriers and create opportunities for everyone, especially those who might face disadvantages. We focus on four key areas - Recruitment, Retention, Progression and Community Engagement.
Our recruitment team know that to keep Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland safe, we need to understand and connect with all our communities. A diverse workforce helps us build trust and confidence, enabling us to work with the public to protect everyone, especially the most vulnerable.
We’re committed to being an employer of choice for talented individuals from all backgrounds, offering careers where you can make a real difference. While we’re making progress, we know there’s still work to be done to improve representation.
Find out more about the support we offer under positive action by contacting the recruitment team via recruitment.team@leics.police.uk
We want our force to reflect the diverse community we serve. After reviewing our recruitment data, we’ve noticed that we need to attract more male and female applicants from black, ethnic minority, and disabled backgrounds. We also aim to recruit more people from different ethnic groups to better represent our county.
While we’ve made progress in recruiting women and LGBT+ individuals, we recognise there’s still work to be done to ensure our workforce is as diverse as the communities we protect.
Our networks offer vital support to individuals from minority groups, providing a space to share experiences, raise concerns, and find solutions together.
Represents officers from constable to chief inspector, helping with everything from shifts and health & safety to pay and pensions. They also run campaigns to address issues that affect members.
Represents staff across a wide range of public services, negotiating for better pay, working conditions, and public services. They also campaign for the rights of workers across different sectors.
Supports all female officers, special constables, and police staff, focusing on career progression, job opportunities, work-life balance, and maternity leave. The network provides a space for discussion and support, with members at all levels of the organisation.
Supports Sikh staff within Leicestershire Police, promoting a positive working environment and improving relationships between the police and the Sikh community in Leicestershire.
Provides support and guidance for LGBT+ officers, staff, and volunteers, celebrating key LGBT+ dates and working to strengthen relationships with LGBT+ communities across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland.
Focuses on improving the working environment for Hindu staff and strengthening the relationship between Leicestershire Police and the Hindu community. The network supports recruitment, retention, and progression while also addressing cultural and welfare needs.
Provides support to officers, staff, and volunteers with disabilities or those caring for dependents with disabilities. The network promotes good working practices and raises awareness of disability-related issues.
Supports Christian officers, staff, and their families, offering prayer and fellowship opportunities while encouraging collaboration between police and Christian groups to improve community safety and well-being.
Works to support Black officers in all aspects of their career, from recruitment and retention to policy development. The network collaborates with various organisations to tackle race and diversity issues and ensure a positive environment for staff.
Supports Muslim officers and staff while fostering a better understanding between the police service and the Muslim community. The network helps strengthen relationships and create a more inclusive workplace.
Our aim is to ensure continuous development of all serving, and retired, officers and staff in force, while informing matters with a focus from the male perspective.
Leicestershire Police is part of the Disability Confident Scheme, which means if you're disabled and meet the essential criteria for a role, you're guaranteed an interview. We are also committed to making the recruitment process as accessible as possible—so if you need any reasonable adjustments, just let us in your application, and we will work with you to make it happen.
At Leicestershire Police, we value diversity and are committed to an inclusive recruitment process where everyone can thrive. We encourage candidates to request reasonable adjustments, such as extra time during interviews or accessible assessments, to support individual needs.
All successful applicants complete a medical assessment. If you are neurodivergent, we’ll consider adjustments to help you perform at your best. These may include equipment, workspace changes, or role-specific support.
Our Fit to Proceed panel - made up of recruitment, HR, training, and health professionals - reviews medical advice to decide on appropriate adjustments or next steps. We want every candidate to feel welcome and supported. Let us know how we can help you succeed.
Leicestershire Police`s commitment to community involvement is centred on inclusivity and proactive engagement to improve the quality of life for all residents. We do this by connecting communities with local Neighbourhood Police Area teams regularly, through beat surgeries, online social media engagement and encourage participation with the Local Independent Advisory Groups. As well as engaging with young people through our Cadets program and in schools, Leicestershire Police creates structured engagement opportunities to break barriers, build confidence and empower youths.
Regular connection
Regularly connect communities with local Neighbourhood Police Area teams.
Beat surgeries
Utilise beat surgeries as a point of contact for residents to raise concerns and interact with police officers.
Social media engagement
Utilise social media to communicate with the public and share information about policing activities.
Young people engagement
Engage young people through the Cadets program, school visits, and structured programs to build confidence and break down barriers.
Collaboration
They work in partnership with local residents, other organisations, and agencies to tackle specific problems and improve community safety.
Independent advisory groups
Encourage community participation in Local Independent Advisory Groups to provide input on policing priorities.
The Government has set out ambitious plans to re-engage police with their local communities and reduce fear of crime and this is a fine example of that approach. I wish the trailblazers of this initiative. who have offered their eyes and ears for the good of their neighbourhoods and Leicestershire Police every success in this exciting venture.
By working together as a community, we can tackle local issues and strengthen communities. In time, we hope that this community led initiative can be rolled out to other areas across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
As Neighbourhood Active Coordinator in East Leicester, I’m proud to be part of a community uniting with Leicestershire Police to drive positive change. We’ve built a structure focused on engagement, aiming to create a safer, stronger community where everyone feels empowered to contribute. It’s the start of an inspiring journey - one rooted in connection, collaboration, and the belief that every person has the right to live in a place shaped by goodwill and shared responsibility.
Each year, we recognise outstanding contributions to policing in Leicestershire in a variety of areas. The various trophies reward achievements such as acts of bravery, excellent investigative work, caring for victims, community policing, promoting wellbeing, operational effectiveness, strong leadership, innovation, championing diversity and sports excellence. As well as a trophy, the winners also receive a framed certificate from the Chief Constable to keep and some awards have additional financial rewards. Our annual trophies include:
Chief Constable’s Award for Outstanding Work
Chief Constable’s Award for Bravery
Chief Constable’s Award for Service Excellence
Student Officer of the Year
Lifetime Achievement Award
Innovation Award
Dedicated Neighbourhood Officer of the Year
PCSO of the Year
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