Question
The PSNI Inclusion Survey reported that 1 in 5 people experienced inappropriate behaviour in the last 12 months and 1 in 10 experienced discrimination – what are the PSNI doing to address these concerning findings, based on the behaviour experienced and discrimination faced? Bespoke harm needs bespoke interventions so mere training is not sufficient. 25 of the 43 officers currently suspended and 26 of the 63 officers currently repositioned are because of allegations of domestic or sexual misconduct. How long have these officers been suspended, and at what cost? Do we have an expected deadline for when these suspensions will end? Answer
Answer
- PSNI surveyed the workforce for 3 weeks from 15 September to 6 October 2025.
- 4,387 or 50.3% of the workforce participated in the survey.
- The Service has committed to being fully transparent with the workforce and has shared the findings openly.
- In addition to sharing the findings at a Service wide level through presentations and videos, 27 targeted presentations have been created and delivered to senior and middle managers across all Departments, Staff Associations and Minority/Diversity Support Associations. These presentations have included service wide results and results for that Department or Branch.
- Having shared the data widely, workshops with representative groups are ongoing to understand the story behind the numbers and to seek the views of the workforce on the most appropriate actions to take.
- 22 workshops are underway. Those completed include a workshop at International Women’s Day where over 100 of our female colleagues shared their insights and suggestions for improvement.
- The results from the workshops will be layered onto the quantitative data.
- Business planning meetings are scheduled with Heads of Branch/Department and their senior teams. Each Branch/Department will commit to three actions which they will report on via the Culture Development Implementation Group (Chaired by the Deputy Chief Constable and ACO People and Development).
- Key questions from the survey will be included in future workforce surveys to assess the impact of the actions and the workforce experience.
Regarding the specific matter of discrimination and inappropriate behaviour, a range of measures have been identified:
- The inclusion survey findings will be embedded into first line manager training and all appropriate leadership training moving forward.
- 16 members of PSNI are now trained mediators. In parallel a review of the Workforce Dispute Resolution/Grievance/Bullying and Harassment procedures is nearing completion. This will provide much greater detail to both grievants and line managers in triaging and supporting the grievance process.
- The Code of Ethics has been refreshed and will be rolled out with a clear focus on the behaviours required and expected of officers and staff while both on duty and off duty.
- The recommendations from The Langdale Review have been accepted and will be adopted.
Dr Kate Laverty