UK Policing Announces the Launch of the Sixth Annual Gender Equality in UK Policing Report

Since 2017, UK Policing has been a trusted and steadfast partner of UN Women and HeForShe. Their dedication to advancing gender equality has been evident in their leadership, strategic actions, and their commitment to accountability. In 2021, UK Policing renewed its pledge to the HeForShe Alliance, focusing on three key commitments: addressing gender imbalances in middle management, tackling sexism and misogyny within police culture, and transparently reporting on their progress.

Today, UN Women HeForShe is proud to announce the launch of the Gender Equality in UK Policing: Sixth Annual Report. This report not only reflects the progress made across UK police forces but also highlights the critical need to remain steadfast and bold in the pursuit of equality.

The data and good practice examples within this year’s report demonstrate that meaningful progress is being made. One notable achievement is the increase of women in middle management roles, rising from 27% to 28%. This steady, albeit gradual, improvement signifies that change is occurring, and these milestones should be celebrated.

The commitment and dedication of HeForShe Allies across UK Policing have been instrumental in driving this progress. The HeForShe Male Allyship Toolkit, led by UK Policing in collaboration with HeForShe Alliance members, has provided a clear framework for engaging male allies and fostering an inclusive culture where everyone plays a role in achieving gender parity.

Despite the positive developments, the report reveals that progress is slower than in previous years. This underscores the need to be bolder and to adopt strategies that accelerate change. HeForShe Allies in policing are key to this effort; their role in being ‘respectfully disruptive’ within the workplace helps to challenge and transform entrenched cultural norms.

As noted in the report, there remains a significant amount of work to be done. Issues such as the gender pay gap, representation in specialist posts, and the progression of women within forces continue to impact police personnel. It is imperative that UK Policing remains representative of the communities it serves, ensuring an inclusive workforce that reflects diverse perspectives and experiences.

The HeForShe movement, which celebrated its 10-year anniversary in 2024, has garnered the support of over two million activists, including world leaders, heads of state, global CEOs, and UN Women Goodwill Ambassadors. This international effort underscores that gender equality is not just a women’s issue—it is a societal imperative that requires the engagement of people of all genders. The progress and challenges highlighted in this report reflect this broader global mission, reinforcing that the work of UK Policing is part of a much larger movement dedicated to creating a more inclusive and equitable world.

While significant strides have been made, UK Policing recognizes that the journey toward gender equality is ongoing. The Gender Equality in UK Policing: Sixth Annual Report highlights both achievements and areas for improvement, reminding us of the need to sustain momentum, challenge inequality, and work collectively toward a more inclusive future.

Read the full report here: UK Policing 6th Annual HeForShe Report