Positive Action: valuing and supporting difference
We know that everyone is unique. People bring different backgrounds, experiences, ideas and perspectives – and those differences make us stronger as a team.
We’re building a workforce made up of people from different backgrounds, with different experiences and perspectives. And we want everyone who works for us to feel confident that they’ll be treated fairly and with respect.
Under the Equality Act 2010, section 158 allows organisations to choose positive action measures “to help people overcome certain barriers and improve representation” (gov.uk, 2026). It allows additional help to be provided to groups of people who share a ‘protected characteristic’ (for example, race, sex, or sexual orientation) to level the playing field. The aim is to reduce disadvantage, meet different needs and increase participation.
Our Positive Action lead is here to support those from underrepresented groups throughout the recruitment process and their career. We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome, valued and able to thrive.
A more diverse workforce helps us better understand and serve our communities – making South Yorkshire safer and South Yorkshire Police stronger.
Positive Action is about offering support to people who may face barriers when applying to join the police. That support is offered once in our organisation too.
We know that different backgrounds bring valuable perspectives, helping us build trust and confidence with the communities of South Yorkshire and helping to keep them safe.
We also know that not everyone starts from the same place or has had the same opportunities. That’s why our Positive Action measures are in place, to provide support to people from underrepresented backgrounds and help ensure everyone has a fair chance. It’s not about pushing people ahead, it’s above helping removing or reduce obstacles that should not be there in the first place.
If you’re thinking about become a police officer or working in another role in policing and feel things could be holding you back, we are here to support you.
We welcome people from all backgrounds because diversity makes us stronger. Every application is assessed fairly, based on your ability to do the job.
“Some groups of people who share a particular characteristic who may suffer some sort of disadvantage connected to that characteristic, have different needs compared to others without that characteristic, or are underrepresented in certain activities” (gov.uk, 2026). The Equality Act 2010 protects people from being treated less favourably because they have a protected characteristic. The 9 protected characteristics are below, and positive action applies to all of them.
- age
- disability
- gender reassignment
- marriage and civil partnership
- pregnancy and maternity
- race
- religion or belief
- sex
- sexual orientation
If you’re unsure about applying, feel something might holding you back or unsure whether Positive Action is right for you, we’re here to help. You can contact us in confidence about any concerns such as:
- Understanding the recruitment process
- Dyslexia or written assessments
- Fitness levels or role expectations
- Mobility or accessibility needs
- Observing religious practices like Ramadan
- Sensitivity to lighting or other environmental factors
Whilst we can’t help you to complete or review your application, we will listen, advise, and support you.
Contact us via email: Positive Action: help to join
Come along to one of our online workshops, open to potential officers and staff from underrepresented groups, where we can go into a little bit more detail about:
- The recruitment process
- Support available to you if you have dyslexia, mobility, accessibility needs
- Fitness levels (if applying for a police officer role) or role expectations
- Observing religion practices like Ramadan
- A Q&A session at the end where you can ask us any burning questions you have about applying for a role in policing
Whilst we can’t help you to complete or review your application, the workshops will give you some practical advice and information to help support your decision to apply
If you prefer to contact us with a more specific question, you can do so here and we can make sure you’re put in touch with the relevant person who can help you.
Contact us via email:Positive Action: help to join
Online workshop dates
- 6 November 2026 12:00-13:00 - register now
- 13 November 2026 17:00-18:00 - register now
- 20 November 2026 19:00-20:00 - register now
After you have applied, if you have a declared disability, our recruitment team will contact you to discuss any reasonable adjustments you require.
Our Buddy Scheme offers personalised support to help you feel welcomed and confident as you start your policing career. There is an opportunity to be paired with a dedicated buddy who can share experiences, offer guidance and provide encouragement. Email the Positive Action team for more information.