PCC orders review into force's race discrimination

Matthew Barber, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley, says it is "critical" there is no discrimination in policing

A police and crime commissioner has ordered a "full review" after an employment judge ruled three white officers were passed over for promotion because of their race.

The Thames Valley Police officers won a discrimination claim when - in an attempt to improve the diversity of senior staff - a tribunal heard how an "Asian" sergeant was promoted to the rank of detective inspector without a competitive process being held.

Matthew Barber, Thames Valley's Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), said a review into the force's processes, policies and approach will ensure it cannot happen again.

He said: “It is critical in building confidence across our whole community that there is never any discrimination in policing."

Blocked from applying

The employment tribunal heard how plans were discussed in August 2022 for a job advert for a detective inspector in the force's "priority crime team" at Aylesbury police station.

Det Insp Phillip Turner-Robson, Insp Graham Horton and Kirsteen Bishop, a custody inspector, were blocked from applying for the role, the hearing was told.

The tribunal heard how a decision was taken to move a Sgt Sidhu, whose forename was not provided, into the role without any competitive process being undertaken.

A judge concluded the three white officers were directly discriminated by reason of the protected characteristic of race.

A tribunal heard how three officers were passed over for a role at Aylesbury police station

Calling for a review, Mr Barber said: "I recognise Thames Valley Police’s commitment to building a workforce that represents the whole community, but it is apparent from the judgement that the force was wrong on this occasion in that the processes it followed were not fair, transparent, or competitive.

“I am clear that Thames Valley Police must treat everyone equally when making appointments, determined solely on merit.

"I will ensure a full review into the processes, policies and approach by the force to ensure this cannot happen in the future.

“There must be no place for any form of discrimination in policing and I expect the Chief Constable to ensure that all communities are treated equally by Thames Valley Police.”