Positive action

Positive Action is about creating a level playing field and the same starting point for everyone. 

It aims to increase recruitment applications from all under represented groups. People with language skills, different cultures and backgrounds are encouraged to apply to our organisation. We are committed to building our relationships with minority communities and encouraging them to join our policing family.

On request wherever possible we may be able to put individuals in touch with an appropriate officer/member of staff who shares a similar protected characteristic/need or has identified themselves as a specific point of contact to provide support and assistance, in respect of an enquiry or progression through the recruitment and selection process.

We value people from all diverse areas of the community and work closely with internal and external support groups to ensure our staff have access to the most appropriate support and career development needs possible to be able to positively contribute to the policing of our communities.

We particularly welcome applications and the opportunity for informal discussion with individuals from the following under represented groups, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Groups, LGBT+ and those who consider themselves to have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010.

Positive Action is a range of lawful actions that work to overcome or reduce disadvantages in employment opportunities that people who share a protected characteristic have experienced, or to meet their different needs. This helps employers identify and remove the barriers and issues to the employment, retention and progression of people from ‘underrepresented’ groups, whilst still employing people on merit.

The Equality Act 2010, specifically Section 158 allows employers to use the positive action general provisions giving individuals from underrepresented groups the opportunity to access support and training, in preparation for and throughout the recruitment process, to overcome disadvantages when competing with others. 

In support of Durham Constabulary’s commitment to recruiting a police service which is representative of our communities, our aim is to support and inform potential candidates from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic background.

For more information in relation to recruitment opportunities, please email us.

Please note that all formal applications made to Durham Constabulary for employment will be based on merit.

How positive action differs from positive discrimination

Positive action is often confused with positive discrimination. Positive discrimination generally means employing someone because they come from an underrepresented group in spite of whether they have the relevant skills and qualifications. Positive discrimination is unlawful. Positive action does not mean people will be recruited simply because of their gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation. All applications will be treated equally, based on merit.

In short, we can undertake positive action where appropriate, but not positive discrimination.

We value people from all diverse areas of the community and work closely with internal and external support network groups to ensure our staff have access to the most appropriate support and career development needs possible to be able to positively contribute to the policing of our communities.

Support to help with your application

On request, wherever possible we may be able to put individuals in touch with an appropriate officer or member of staff who shares a similar protected characteristic or need, or has identified themselves as a specific point of contact to provide support and assistance in respect of an enquiry or progression through the recruitment and selection process. 

Durham Constabulary is proud to have a range of well-established internal groups and networks which provide support to under-represented groups. These include:

• Durham Constabulary Ethnic Minority Support Association (DEMSA)
• STAR – Gender Equality through Inclusion
• Durham Constabulary LGBTQ+ Support Group
• Durham Menopause Awareness Group (Mini MAG)
• Durham Constabulary Disability Support Group ‘Enable’
• Durham Constabulary Neurodivergent Support Alliance
• Wellbeing Support and Online Wellbeing Hub
• Trauma Risk Incident Management (TRIM) Practitioners
• Force Chaplaincy / Durham Constabulary Christian Police Association
• Durham Constabulary Association of Muslim Police