MOD launches diversity drive

The event was one of several taking place across the department, both in the UK and also in Germany, under MOD's 'Diversity: What's in it for me?' week.

Both Sir Ian and Sir Bill Jeffery, the Permanent Under Secretary of State for Defence, as the department's 'diversity champions' are committed to attracting staff that reflect and represent the diverse community we serve. During the event Sir Ian explained that the MOD still needs to do more in this area:

"We in Defence are not yet exactly exemplars of diversity," he said. "It is vital if we are to guarantee the skills needed to deliver battle-winning people and equipment. If we are to get the best out of our people we must ensure that each and every one of us is recognised and respected for the particular skills and talents we bring."

Meanwhile on Wednesday, 24 September 2008, the MOD Police and Guarding Agency (MDPGA) held their own Diversity event at the agency's headquarters in Wethersfield, Essex.

The day included presentations on Paganism, Gypsy/Romany, Islam, Diabetes, Dyslexia, Stress/Depression in the Workplace, and Being Out (and In) At Work, with guest speakers including Imam Asim Hafiz, Muslim Chaplain for the Armed Forces, along with representatives from Diabetes UK, The British Dyslexia Association, MIND, and Essex County Council Gypsy Services.

Uphill struggle for MOD's Diversity Champions

In today's Government the MOD has its own specific diversity challenges: Women make up just 36 per cent of civilian staff in MOD compared with 53 per cent across government as a whole. Eight per cent of civil service staff declare themselves to be from an ethnic minority, but in MOD this is just three per cent.

Adding to the diversity champions' difficulties is the fact that they currently lack accurate data on the prevalance of the groups they represent. A quarter of MOD's civilian workforce have still not registered their disability status on the Human Resources Management System (HRMS) and one in six has yet to record his or her ethnic background.

The MOD's Defence Board has already taken steps to address the Department's civilian workforce diversity issues.  Sir Ian Andrew's successor, Ursula Brennan, will be the first woman ever to serve on the Board in an executive role.

The Board is also conducting studies into new ways of flexible working to encourage people with the right skills to fill posts across the Department whatever their needs, and to challenge prejudicial preconceptions.