Dorset Police has launched an equality, diversity and inclusion programme and survey and you have the chance to get involved.

Dorset Police states that equality, diversity and inclusion is one of its priorities, so has launched the programme to assess what works well and where improvements can be made.

The survey is anonymous and independent. There is an online survey, which is available until 1 July, and there will also be a series of safe space conversations which will take place the weeks commencing 18 and 25 July. You need to register your interest in taking part prior to 1 July.

It is expected that conversations will be carried out in groupings, such as:

• People of Black, Asian, or mixed heritage
• People who identify as female
• People who identify as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community
• People who have a visible or non-visible disability or long-term health condition
• People who do not identify as any of the groups above

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 dorce and make recommendations for our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy. The strategy and action plan will be made publicly available later in the year.

“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.”

To sign up for the conversation sessions, visit https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/DPEXTSIGNUP

For the online survey, go to https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/DPEXTSURVEY