The controversial rollout of "equity training" by a police force, including teaching officers about “white privilege”, has been highlighted in a new independent report amid a growing backlash over allegations of positive discrimination. The training, introduced last September, is intended to promote inclusivity and address inequality within Thames Valley Police Force.

However, it has sparked intense debate, particularly after an employment tribunal found the force guilty of discriminating against white officers in favour of ethnic minorities. The concept of “white privilege” posits that white individuals benefit from inherent advantages in a society that is characterised by racial inequality. The training, part of a broader initiative to address diversity, raises concerns among some officers, especially white male staff, who feel unfairly targeted by the discourse.

Discontent was amplified by the tribunal ruling that found the force had engaged in positive discrimination by appointing an ethnic minority officer to a detective inspector post without a competitive process, a move that had legal implications.

The report’s author, former assistant chief constable Kerrin Wilson, said: “White privilege can often be seen as demonising white people and therefore building barriers to the learning.”

This observation, made as part of an independent review commissioned by the police and crime commissioner, Matthew Barber, has highlighted the deep divisions within the force.

Many officers expressed frustration over what they perceived as an unfair advantage for minority groups in promotion schemes. The force has implemented a “positive action” policy aimed at increasing ethnic minority representation in senior roles.

Ms Wilson’s review outlined the frustrations of white officers who felt “overlooked and undervalued” in light of the tribunal's findings. Some felt the force’s efforts to address diversity had come at their expense, leading to feelings of alienation and resentment.

The review also noted that ethnic minority officers were experiencing their own challenges, with some fearing that their career advancement would now be seen as a product of affirmative action rather than merit.

The training itself, which covers topics such as “micro-aggressions” and the difference between being “non-racist” versus “anti-racist,” was introduced despite warnings about the potential for it to exacerbate divisions within the force.

One section of the review suggested that implementing such training without addressing the underlying issues of perceived discrimination could further polarise the workforce, saying: “There is a tangible feeling of being overlooked, which is reflected in the wider societal discourse that is emerging around the UK.”

The controversy has led to a breakdown in internal relations, with officers on both sides of the debate feeling unsupported. The review warned that, without intervention, these tensions could escalate and lead to a more hostile work environment.

Some ethnic minority staff, in particular, expressed reluctance to take part in schemes intended to aid their promotion, fearing that the perception of tokenism would taint any advancement.

Rory Geoghegan, former police officer and founder of the Public Safety Foundation, criticised the reliance on critical race theory, arguing that such approaches undermined the impartiality of the police service.

He told The Telegraph: “Police officers and staff deserve far better from their leaders than to be crudely categorised by skin colour and subjected to reductive, divisive ideologies.”

Thames Valley has committed to learning from the review and improving its internal processes.

A spokesperson said: “A Thames Valley Police spokesman said: “Our staff and officers represent a diverse group with a range of views on many issues – but it’s our shared values that bring us together to protect our communities.

“We are committed to learning from this employment tribunal and independent review to improve how we work together.

“We strive to be fair and courageous in how we serve our colleagues and the community.”