UK Policing Launches Seventh Annual HeForShe Gender Equality Report

December 2025 - UK Policing has launched the seventh annual Gender Equality in UK Policing report, reaffirming its collective commitment to advancing gender equality across the service. The report was unveiled at an online event on Tuesday 9 December and once again demonstrates how police forces across the UK are working in solidarity with UN Women’s global HeForShe movement. 

The report brings together national workforce data alongside a good practice example from every police force in the UK, offering a comprehensive picture of both progress and the areas where further effort is required. It highlights that change is happening and that these gains should be recognised. At the same time, it is clear that progress remains gradual, underscoring the need for sustained and bolder action to accelerate change. 

This year’s findings show continued improvement in women’s representation at middle management level, increasing from 28 percent to 29 percent. This directly reflects the first shared HeForShe commitment across UK policing to address gender imbalance in middle management teams. The report also showcases practical actions forces are taking to address and remove sexism and misogyny where it exists within police culture, and to transparently report on progress each year. 

Chief Constable Jeremy Vaughan of South Wales Police, UK Policing Lead for HeForShe, welcomed the publication of the report and the collective effort behind it: 

“I am proud to share this year’s annual HeForShe report. The data and good practice show that progress is being made, with forces across the country demonstrating innovation and leadership that bring us closer to gender equality. While there is still work to do, our shared commitment gives us a strong foundation to accelerate progress and deliver lasting change.” 

The report also recognises that policing today is more representative than at any other time in its history. However, challenges remain across the service, including the gender pay gap, representation in specialist roles, progression pathways, and the impact of specific health conditions on officers and staff. Addressing these issues is essential to ensuring policing reflects and effectively serves the communities it works with. 

All UK police forces remain signed up to HeForShe, reinforcing the importance of allies across policing and leadership at every level. The global HeForShe movement is supported by more than two million people worldwide and seeks to engage men and people of all genders to stand in solidarity with women to advance gender equality. In 2024, the movement marked its tenth anniversary, reflecting a decade of collective action and continued momentum. Through this annual report, UK policing continues to demonstrate transparency, shared learning, and a long-term commitment to building a more inclusive and representative workplace for all.

Read the full report here: Gender Equality in UK Policing: Seventh Annual Report