Guidance on Islam prayer provision released

Staff networks are an important part of policing and play a crucial role in supporting our workforce. The National Association of Muslim Police (NAMP) was established to create a stronger network for Muslim officers and staff. Its members include police officers of all ranks, police staff, police community support officers and special constables.

One of NAMP’s aims is to promote understanding and awareness of Islam. As part of this, the College has worked with NAMP to develop guidance on prayer provisions. The guidance provides information on prayer in Islam, effective practice for police forces supporting and facilitating provisions for Muslim officers and staff and recommendations that can help create an inclusive environment.

Prayer is one of five pillars within Islam and forms part of daily life for Muslims. In collaboration with NAMP we have produced a guidance document for adjustments to facilitate prayer provisions within the workplace. This guide will help police forces meet the religious needs of Muslims and improve faith inclusivity.

Alexander Gent, Chair, NAMP

'We are pleased to have worked with NAMP on the production of its faith guidance. Recruitment is in the spotlight to increase the diversity of the policing workforce,' said Fiona Eldridge, head of diversity, inclusion and engagement at the College of Policing.

'We also need to focus on retention and meeting the needs of officers and staff once they have joined the service. This guidance will assist forces in ensuring that the needs of Muslims are considered and will contribute to the development of inclusion within the service.'

We invite other staff networks to work with us to produce guidance that supports inclusion. Get in touch: D&I@college.pnn.police.uk