Wiltshire Police has launched an internal campaign aimed at helping employees recognise when jokes and so-called “banter” cross the line into sexual misconduct in the workplace.
The ‘It’s Not Banter’ campaign forms part of the force’s ongoing work to improve standards and workplace culture, while ensuring employees feel safe, respected and supported at work.
The campaign follows findings from a recent internal survey, which found that sexual misconduct disguised as jokes or banter remains a concern for some members of the workforce.
The survey found that 13 per cent of male colleagues and nine per cent of female colleagues said they hear a sexual joke or story at least once a week.
It also highlighted concerns around reporting inappropriate behaviour.
Of those who had experienced or witnessed sexual misconduct, 17 per cent said they chose not to report it because they feared it could negatively affect their career progression, while 23 per cent said they were concerned about being ostracised by their peers.
The campaign will raise awareness of Op Access, a safe space for Wiltshire Police employees to report sexual misconduct.
Op Access was introduced following the Angiolini Inquiry and Baroness Casey Review, which highlighted serious challenges across policing nationally in the way sexual misconduct was dealt with.
Deputy Chief Constable Mark Cooper said the force wanted employees to understand that behaviour which makes colleagues feel uncomfortable, undermined or disrespected cannot simply be dismissed as banter.
“Creating a professional, respectful and inclusive culture is one of our highest priorities at Wiltshire Police, and while many people may view certain comments or jokes as harmless banter, the reality is that behaviour which makes colleagues feel uncomfortable, undermined or disrespected has no place within Wiltshire Police.”
He said the force was listening to feedback from its workforce and recognised that more work was needed to challenge unacceptable attitudes.
“Sexual misconduct, misogyny and misandry, whether overt or disguised as humour, are not tolerated within our organisation,” he said.
“We are committed to rooting out inappropriate behaviour and we know from our internal survey, that there is more work to do in relation to challenging unacceptable attitudes and ensuring everyone who works for Wiltshire Police feels valued, respected and able to be themselves.”
Chief Inspector Penny Andrews, of the Professional Standards Department, said the survey findings showed why the campaign was needed.
“When 13 per cent of male colleagues and 9 per cent of female colleagues tell us they hear sexual jokes or stories every week, it is clear that behaviours which may be dismissed as banter can have a real impact on workplace culture,” she said.
She added that the campaign would encourage employees to reflect on their behaviour and ensure they know how and where to report concerns.
“Most importantly, it demonstrates that we are listening to our employees and taking meaningful action in response to what they have told us.”
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