Chief Superintendant Phil Kay West Midlands Police

Overview

This case study outlines the work of Chief Superintendent Phil Kay, Head of Operations at West Midlands Police. The organisation believes that Phil Kay has played an instrumental role in advancing, promoting and embedding a diversity culture which has in turn improved service delivery. He leads a department which provides specialist services on a 24 hour basis. The department covers firearms, dog handlers, air operations and public order, areas which have historically been seen as macho and the preserve of men. When he joined the department in early 2007 he identified that it did not represent the community which it served. 92% of its officers were white males. He implemented a programme which worked to address this mono culture and which had public confidence and inclusively at its heart. He has been instrumental in challenging historic working practices that have traditionally served  the organisation well in a bid to create a more inclusive and diverse working environment.

Despite the initial reservations of some who  voiced their discontent, he has not been afraid to speak out and challenge the views of others. By questioning and addressing exclusionary attitudes and behaviour he has ensured that diversity is at the forefront of all working practices and policies.

Objectives

When Phil Kay joined the department, he asked  himself whether it was a place where his wife, daughter or any other woman would want to work. The answer to this was a resounding no. On that basis he made the decision to make bold changes in order to create a department where anyone regardless of their gender could succeed and reach their full potential. His objectives included creating a department that was representative of the community it serves. He wanted to lead a department where people were recruited on skills and abilities. He wanted to eradicate the existing mono culture and ensure that diversity was celebrated and valued.

Action