Avon and Somerset Probation sets the standard for diversity
13 January 2009
Avon and Somerset Probation Area has continued to set the standard within the Probation Service nationally for diversity practice.
It has received formal recognition of this through the Stonewall Top 100 Employers for gay, lesbian and bisexual people in Britain by being ranked 18th overall.
The complete top 100 is available on the Stonewall website.
317 employers took part in the benchmarking exercise this year from campaigning group Stonewall who track the impact of workplace culture on gay, lesbian and bisexual employees. Organisations that apply to be included on the index are examined on the success of their diversity policies and the extent to which they encourage job applications from lesbian and gay workers. Stonewall also surveys gay employees on whether their workplace experiences match up to the claims made by employers.
David Hanson, Justice Minister, said:
'I'm really proud that Avon and Somerset Probation Area has been recognised for providing a welcoming place for gay, lesbian and bisexual people to work. It is crucial that those who serve society should reflect the diversity that exists. I know from personal experience that all probation areas in England and Wales are working to open their doors to a wider section of the community. I look forward to seeing more probation areas being recognised in the future.'
Dean Hambleton-Ayling, Assistant Chief Officer with responsibility for Human Resources and Staff Development, explains:
'I am delighted that we continue to achieve this benchmark from Stonewall. We are extremely proud of all the diversity work which we practice throughout the organisation. Stonewall's top 100 criteria have become much more stringent in recent years, which I believe reflects employee expectations, and organisations have to take the needs of gay, lesbian and bisexual individuals seriously just as any other diversity or ethnic minority group.'
Sally Lewis, Chief Officer for Avon and Somerset Probation Area said:
'We work hard to be an organisation which treats all people with respect. In particular I hope that gay and lesbian people who are victims of crime and receive our services will be pleased to know of this important independent endorsement.'
Avon and Somerset Probation Area is the only probation area to be recognised by the index and sit with organisations also in the top 100 such as the Ministry of Justice, IBM, Lloyds TSB and the Home Office.
Notes to editors
1. Within the Avon and Somerset Area there are approximately 600 staff working with over 5,000 offenders.
2. Avon and Somerset Area includes the cities of Bristol, Bath and Wells and the towns of Taunton, Yeovil, Bridgwater, and Weston-super-Mare as well as many smaller towns and villages.
3. The aims of probation are to protect the public and reduce reoffending, provide for the proper punishment of offenders, ensure that offenders are aware of the effects of their crimes on their victims and the public, and rehabilitate offenders.
4. Probation provides information to courts on offenders and offences committed to assist the court in deciding on suitable community based or custodial sentences.
5. Under the Criminal Justice Act 2003 community sentences previously available for adults have been replaced by a single community order with 12 possible requirements. Courts are able to choose different requirements to make up a bespoke community order.
6. The requirements are: unpaid work; activity; programme; prohibited activity; curfew; exclusion; residence; mental health treatment; drug rehabilitation; alcohol treatment; supervision; and attendance centre.
For media enquiries please contact Yasser Mehmood, Ministry of Justice Press Officer: 020 3334 3536 or Richard Pegler, Communications Assistant, Avon and Somerset Probation: 01934 528 728.
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