Metropolitan Police Authority: Statement by Race and Faith Inquiry Panel Chair Cindy Butts

62/09
23 September 2009

The Chair of the Race and Faith Inquiry panel, Cindy Butts, will present emerging findings from the Inquiry, to the full Authority on 24 September 2009.

Cindy Butts said:

"We believe that the importance and complexity of the issues demand a report of significant quality and depth.  Race and faith are sensitive areas and the two combined proved very complex issues, which together have not been subject to an inquiry before. This proved a challenge for all involved and the Panel would like to thank everyone who contributed to our work.

"The Panel have highlighted through their emerging findings certain areas where the Met have made significant advances, for example in recruitment of BME staff.  However, we also identified a number of areas within the MPS that require further attention.  These include promotion, recruitment specific to specialist units and the need for a clear vision to develop policies for the future.”

The Inquiry focussed in the main on the MPS, but also sought views on the effectiveness of the MPA’s oversight.  They have been assured that the Authority will not shy away from making recommendations about the internal structures and culture of the MPA if they are necessary to make the MPA and the MPS more effective and would move both organisations forward.

Cindy Butts concluded:

“The panel remains committed to completing the task with which we were entrusted. We are united in our desire to secure the appropriate level of resources to produce a report which represents the importance of this task, and one that will have a meaningful and lasting impact on the Equality and Diversity agenda within the MPS.”

Notes to Editors

The emerging findings can be found at: www.mpa.gov.uk/scrutinies/race-faith/emergingfindings

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