THE first gender equality scheme has been introduced by West Mercia Constabulary.

The scheme places a legal duty upon the constabulary and all its officers and staff to eliminate unlawful sexual discrimination and harassment and to promote equality of opportunity between men and women.

West Mercia's scheme was created in consultation with interested groups and individuals from within the force and members of the community.

Superintendent Andy Parkes, head of diversity for West Mercia, said: "The Gender Equality Duty is the biggest change in the sex equality law in the last 30 years and the force welcomes it as a powerful tool that will help deliver real practical developments and changes to the lives of both men and women."

To meet the gender equality duty, West Mercia will actively promote gender equality within the work force.

This includes, but is not limited to, ensuring all recruitment processes are carried out fairly, that requests to work flexible and part time hours are viewed equally and the right to take parental leave is promoted to all staff and officers.

The new duty also covers the welfare of transsexual staff as discrimination on the grounds of sex includes discrimination on the grounds of gender reassignment in employment and vocational training.