We are committed to promoting and ensuring equality, and to valuing diversity. Our diversity strategy covers employment issues and helps us to meet the new single Equality Duty [External website].
This Equality Duty come into force on 5 April 2011 and for the first time includes age, sexual orientation, and religion or belief.
Our commitment
We’re committed to giving every employee the same opportunities, whatever their background.
Individuals and managers at all levels of the Civil Service must comply with the latest legislation in this area.
Generally, equality legislation is simple and specific. The Civil Service will not unlawfully discriminate in any aspect of employment, including:
- how employees are selected (including deliberate refusal)
- terms offered by the employer
- the way in which employees receive job promotion, training, transfer or any other benefits
- how employees are treated.
For more detail on policies in specific areas see our guidelines and policy pages.
Promoting Equality, Valuing Diversity: A Strategy for the Civil Service
Read more about what we’re doing to build and develop a diverse Civil Service:
- Download a copy of the diversity_leaflet
- Download a copy of the diversity strategy in PDF
- download a copy of the strategy in MS Word
Handling faith issues
This guidance brings together material on various aspects of handling faith and religious issues in the workplace. It aims where possible, to signpost existing sources of guidance.
Tackling harassment and bullying
A central part of creating a diverse workforce is marking sure staff work in a safe, non-threatening environment and are not subjected to harassment or bullying. All departments and agencies have an obligation to do this.
- Read our policy on harassment