Diversity & Inclusion
The Civil Service welcomes and values diversity - it is committed to creating a truly inclusive workplace. We see diversity in the workplace as an asset, for both our organisation as a public service provider, and for our colleagues. We recognise that there is strength in difference.
We aim to have an inclusive workplace in which diversity is truly valued, where we develop colleagues to enable them to make a full contribution to meeting the Civil Service objectives in improving the lives of people here, and to fulfil their potential.
We are committed to ensuring that every individual is valued, respected and accepted for who they truly are.
Key achievements to deliver our diversity and inclusion agenda include:
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Establishment of a Diversity Champions Network comprised of senior colleagues as designated, committed diversity champions for each of our nine departments, and a thematic lead representing each of the areas of Gender, Race and Ethnicity, LGBTQ+ and Disability.
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Development of an annual Diversity Action Plan (DAP) which identifies key activites to be undertaken to improve diversity and inclusion within the organisation across four key themes of gender, disability, LGBTQ+, race and ethnicity as well as cross cutting priorities.
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Development of a designated Diversity and Inclusion Hub which is a one stop shop for colleagues to learn more about our diversity and inclusion plans, Diversity Champions and staff networks.
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Development of a range of resources to improve diversity knowledge and understanding across the workforce, such as a Guide for Allies, a LGBTQ+ Role Models Guide and an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion learning bundle containing mandatory diversity related e-learning modules.
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Active staff networks across the areas of LGBTQ+, Gender (Women), Disability and Race and Ethnicity which are open to all staff. A Student Network has also been established to provide a means for colleagues who are on placement in the Civil Service to learn from one another and support each other and create a sense of belonging. Our staff networks provide an opportunity for colleagues to come together to share experiences, information, support and learning. They have been invaluable in helping raise awareness of issues, providing peer support, allyship and friendship and a sense of belonging to members. The Civil Service also has established working groups for Autism and disability to promote and support disability inclusion.
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Introduction of a Guaranteed Interview Scheme to ensure that disabled applicants, who meet the minimum essential eligibility criteria for the role they have applied for, are offered an interview. More information on the Guaranteed Interview Scheme is available on the Information for Disabled Applicants section.
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Participation in initiatives to support the employment of disabled people such as International Job Shadow Day and the Department for Communities' Job Start Programme and Work Experience Programme.
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Benchmarking practices including the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index in respect of LGBTQ+ initiatives, Diversity Mark for gender diversity and Employers for Disability NI's Disability Positive accreditation for disability inclusion.
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The Civil Service has also been awarded the Onus Workplace Charter in recognition of the work undertaken in relation to domestic and sexual abuse which includes a workplace policy and range of support, and designated colleagues who have been trained as Safe Place Advocates. The Civil Service was also awarded the 2022 CIPD NI award for 'Best Diversity and Inclusion Initiative' for the work undertaken to provide support to staff who are experiencing domestic or sexual abuse.
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Support of and participation in Harkin Belfast 2022 and annual diversity events, such as International Men’s Day, International Women’s Day, Belfast Mela, Pride, Black History Month, National Day for Staff Networks and National Inclusion Week, alongside delivery of a programme of outreach activity with under-represented groups.
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A range of guidance to support colleagues, including policies for menopause, domestic and sexual abuse, transitioning at work and family friendly policies to create a positive work life balance such as alternative work patterns, term time and flexitime. The Civil Service delivers a comprehensive health and wellbeing programme with a particular focus on support for mental health which is available to all colleagues, and is a signatory of the Mental Health Charter.
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The Civil Service is also a lead partner of Employers for Disability in NI, has been accredited as a Disability Positive employer and is committed to being a Just A Minute (JAM) Card friendly organisation.
