The force’s assistant chief officer Anita Grant signed the charter, which aims to tackle racism in public services, in a ceremony on Friday 16 August 2024. The document commits organisations and their leaders to having a clear and visible race equality policy and comprehensive anti-racism initiatives, such as training for all staff.
Under the charter’s terms, Sussex Police will promote a diverse workforce, address the impact of racism on staff wellbeing, and regularly review strategies to improve racial equality, diversity and inclusion.
The charter is part of a wider UNISON campaign to combat racism in the workplace and ensure organisations reflect the communities they serve.
UNISON South East regional secretary Steve Torrance said: “Unions have an important role to play in combatting the politics of hate in their communities and workplaces.
“The anti-racism charter is a powerful way for leaders to work with their staff to ensure racism has no place in the public sector.
“It’s great to see Sussex Police become the first employer in the region to sign, and we look forward to working with them to make it a success.”
Sussex Police assistant chief officer Anita Grant said: “As part of our ongoing commitment to become an anti-racist police service, we are incredibly proud to be the first public sector employer in the south east to sign the charter.
“With the implementation of the Police Race Action Plan (PRAP), we have introduced several initiatives to create an internal culture that promotes inclusivity where Black, Asian and Global Majority officers and staff are supported in their development and progression, transforming our organisation for the better.
“While we recognise there is much work still to be done, we look forward to working alongside UNISON in championing a racially diverse workforce.”
Learn more about the anti-racism charter
To build on the legacy of 2023’s Year of the Black Worker, we’re supporting branches to encourage employers to sign UNISON’s anti-racism charter, a pledge from public service employers to build actively anti-racist organisations.
