THE gender pay gap in Wiltshire Police had shrunk by nearly 50 per cent between 2018 and 2019, according to its latest report.

The Gender Pay Gap Report, published earlier this week, captured the workings of Wiltshire Police on March 31, 2019, and has revealed that the median (mid-point) gender pay gap for both police staff and uniformed police officers was at 10.96 per cent, when at the same time in 2018 it was 20.19 per cent.

Broken down; the report showed that there was no difference in pay between women and male police officers in 2019, and the median gender pay gap in police staff was a difference of three per cent in favour of men.

Chief Constable Kier Pritchard said he was "really pleased" with the report, adding that the Positive Action team has worked hard to introduce gender-neutral language, encourage women during the selection process, and raise more awareness of family friendly policies and promotions.

"I believe we are on the right track," he added.

“Reflecting the diverse nature of our communities has always been a priority for me and to see Wiltshire Police taking great strides to achieve this is a positive step towards fulfilling that commitment.

“I am really pleased with the news of the reduction in our median gender pay gap, it’s testament to the hard work being done to attract more women to join us as officers and staff, to retain them and offer opportunities for career progression.

According to the report, in 2019 there was 1,098 male staff and officers and 1,042 women, making a 51:49 ratio.

Of this, 444 men and 698 women were police staff (39:61) and 654 men and 344 women were uniformed officers (66:34).

Despite pay gap improvements however, the report shows that there are still most women in police staff roles, with 74 per cent of women making up the lowest hourly pay bracket in this role.

Angus Macpherson, Wiltshire and Swindon Police and Crime Commissioner, welcomed the report and said more could be done to attract females to join the force and progress into senior roles.

He said: “Traditionally policing was a male-dominated profession, so to see Wiltshire Police maintaining an even gender balance across its staff and officers is positive.

"There is a lot of work going on to ensure equal opportunities are offered and that should be celebrated for contributing to the reduction in the median pay gap.

“One of my main priorities is to build a quality police service, more diverse, inclusive and reflecting our whole community. It’s a long journey, but I will continue to press home the need to see more females in senior roles."

Chief Constable Pritchard added: “We are committed to gender balance but we are not complacent; we have more to do to see more female colleagues at senior levels and this remains a priority for me and my senior team.”