It is hoped that the South Wales Black Police Association will also provide a support network for ethnic staff within the force.

Earlier this year, three of the four Welsh police forces were directed to increase their numbers of Black and Asian officers.

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The north Wales force was told to recruit an extra 13 ethnic minority officers, south Wales 12 and Dyfed Powys nine.

Only Gwent already had the desired number set by government targets for the next 10 years- a minimum of 1% even when the ethnic population is smaller.

Superintendent Dave Morris has led efforts to establish the Black Police Association in South Wales.

Supt Dave Morris said: "The group was formed with a number of aims in mind, but principally we hope to provide a support network for visible ethnic staff within the force, as well as working towards the recruitment and retention of people from minority ethnic groups within the police service."

Welsh forces have been criticised for having too few ethnic officers

Supt Morris said the group was established after a meeting of ethnic officers where staff expressed feelings of isolation.

"I think the issue was that staff who are black were posted around south Wales where they were working in predominantly white areas with white colleagues.

"They felt there was no one to speak to or support them, no one from a similar cultural background or ethnicity.

"Consequently, there was also an issue in terms of grievances. Black staff felt that when they raised grievances against the organisation, there was no support for them."

The conference will be hosted by South Wales Police, but will be attended by BPA members from around the country.

There will be a number of notable speakers including First Secretary Alun Michael and athlete Kriss Akabusi.