Race Equality Scheme 2005-8

Leicestershire and Rutland Probation Area produced a comprehensive race equality scheme in 2002 which was approved by the Probation Board.

• To ensure 100% accurate ethnic monitoring of offenders (99% achieved)
• To ensure 100% accurate ethnic monitoring of staff (97% achieved)
• To ensure 95% clear proposals in reports on minority ethnic offenders (99% achieved) To achieve 16% ethnic minority representation in the workforce (15% achieved)
• To achieve 16% ethnic minority representation at middle management level (18.5% achieved)
• To undertake race impact assessment of all new policies - a new template for new policies and strategies has been produced
• To undertake initial screening of existing policies and strategies for race equality impact assessment and prioritise these for further analysis
• To train middle managers and Board members in race equality impact assessment (completed 6^th February and 15th March2004-Doc7)
• To improve consultation arrangements with minority ethnic and faith communities - directory of consultees expanded and annual inter-cultural consultation attended by 60 representatives in November 2005

The Chief Officer has chaired the Criminal Justice Board's Fair Treatment Group and more recently the newly formed Confidence and Diversity Group. This has resulted in:

• A pioneering citizenship programme launched by Baroness Scotland (Dec 2004)
• Research by De Montfort University on bail decisions (which is being followed up by the Home Office Race Unit)
• Joint recruitment fairs with other Criminal Justice Organisations
• Piloting the 'Journey to Race Equality Tool' on behalf of the CJ Race Unit
• 48.6% confidence levels in the Criminal Justice System locally. (One of the highest levels nationally)
• Community Reference Group
• Inter Cultural Event (February 06)
• Developing comprehensive performance monitoring of needs assessment, report proposals, commencements and successful completions by race and gender which is presented to the Performance Committee of the Board every 6 months
• Establishing a new mentoring programme for minority ethnic offenders leaving prison:- '3D' Diversity, Direction, Development
• Establishing ESOL provision in partnership with a local college
• Pioneering a pathfinder programme for Asian Drink Drivers on behalf of the National Probation Directorate
• A DVD has been produced on work with racially motivated offenders
• Internal DTTO focus group to improve engagement of minority groups

The race equality scheme has been shared with community members attending our annual inter-cultural reception and progress has been reported back to them. Information has also been made available in our annual Report which is available on our website.

To read the full version of our Race Equality Scheme, please download the  Race Equality Scheme 2005-8 237.00 Kb.