Police Commissioner declares his support for diversity and equality

Cambridgeshire Police and Crime Commissioner Sir Graham Bright has underlined his commitment to championing equality and diversity by adding his name to a multi-organisation agreement.

Sir Graham signs Equality Pledge

Sir Graham has joined a host of public, voluntary and private sector organisations and individuals to sign up to the Equality Pledge – a simple promise that commits supporting organisations to appreciate and value the benefits that different communities can contribute to Cambridgeshire.

The pledge sets out how organisations across the county value diversity, stating:  “We believe in the dignity of all people and their right to respect and equality of opportunity. We value the strength that comes with difference and the positive contribution that diversity brings to our community. Our aspiration is for Cambridge and the wider region to be safe, welcoming and inclusive.”

Sir Graham is one of a number of people to pledge support including the University of Cambridge, Cambridge City Council and other blue light services including Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service and Cambridgeshire Constabulary.

Sir Graham said: “We are lucky to have so many vibrant cultures within Cambridgeshire already reflected in the vast range of arts and community activities on offer and it’s important we embrace this diversity. The Equality Pledge sends out a strong message that we want Cambridgeshire to remain a safe, welcoming and inclusive county.

“The Constabulary and I are working hard to tackle prejudices through our zero-tolerance approach to hate crime. This involves taking a robust approach to enforcement and ensuring incidents are investigated and prosecuted to increase confidence among victims.”

The signing of the pledge is one of the initiatives being undertaken in the build up to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans History Month 2016 which is being hosted in Cambridge in February.

Individuals and organisations can make their own Equality Pledge by visiting:  www.cambridge.gov.uk/equality-pledge and supporting the hashtag #EqualityPledge.

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Notes to editors

The partner institutions also signing up to the Equality Pledge are: Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, East Cambridgeshire District Council, Police and Crime Commissioner for Cambridgeshire, Cambridgeshire Constabulary, Huntingdonshire District Council, Fenland District Council, Cambridgeshire County Council, and South Cambridgeshire District Council, and Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Media Enquiries: Charles Kitchin, Director of Public Engagement and Communications, Office of the Cambridgeshire Police & Crime Commissioner, Tel: 0300 333 3456 / Mobile: 07809 332291