VU's Victoria Police Diversity recruitment program nominated for top award
Victoria University (VU) Polytechnic’s Police Diversity Recruitment Program is a finalist in the Engagement Australia 2022 Excellence Awards.
The Police Diversity Recruitment Program, the only one of its kind in Australia, addresses barriers to recruitment into the Victoria Police for under-represented culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) and Aboriginal communities.
Established as a pilot by Jobs Victoria in 2018 and funded by state government Depart of Education, the initiative contributes to a culturally inclusive police force that better represents the community it serves and improves rapport and trust between Victoria Police and the wider community.
“We are enormously proud to a finalist in Engagement Australia Excellence Awards. The Police Diversity Recruitment Program is a ground-breaking initiative proactively addressing the barriers to recruitment of under-represented communities. I have met with many of the participants, heard their stories and admire their commitment to making our communities safer, stronger and more inclusive,
” said Ms Dianne Semmens, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Vocational Education at VU.
Over the course of the eight rounds, over the last four years, the program has seen more than 100 participants complete the course, with 55 passing the Victoria Police Entrance Exam, while 21 participants have found other employment as Protective Service Officers or Police Custody Officers.
During the 15-week program, teachers work closely with potential recruits from African and refugee background, to help build skills around exam preparation, language, numeracy, cultural understanding, fitness and swimming capability. Victoria Police members volunteer their time as mentors.
“Our collaborators, Victoria Police, Africause, Jesuit Social Services, AMES Australia, Maurice Blackburn Lawyers and Matchworks share in this honour and we are proud Engagement Australia recognises the value of this important program,
” added Deputy Vice-Chancellor Semmens.
As a result of its success, the current round of the program is focusing on applicants from Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander and other linguistically diverse groups based in western Victoria, including Ballarat, Bendigo, Shepparton and Geelong.
On the importance of the Police Diversity Recruitment Program, Superintendent Mark Porter said “For the police force to be effective, it must truly reflect all parts of the community which is serves.
”
Engagement Australia 2022 Excellence Awards identify and celebrate the most exciting engagement activities undertaken by universities that demonstrate far-reaching impact and innovation in the Australian and New Zealand economy and community. After reviewing this year’s intake, the 19 judges on the panel commented on the exceptional quality of the submissions received this year.
Winners will be announced at the annual Excellence Awards for Engagement on Monday 21 November, 2022.
To arrange an interview with Ms Dianne Semmens Deputy Vice-Chancellor Vocational Education contact Frances Atkinson, Media Adviser, Victoria University on 0435 960 793 or email .
