Diversity & Inclusion
The Civil Service values and welcomes diversity and 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 in NI, and to fulfil their own potential on merit.
We are committed to ensuring that every individual is valued 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) and Gender Action Plan to support a diverse and inclusive workplace culture.
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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 a guaranteed number of 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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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.
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Support of and participation in diversity events, such as International Men’s Day, International Women’s Day, Belfast Mela, Pride, Black History Month and International Job Shadow Day, Harkin Belfast 2022 and delivery of a programme of outreach activity to support 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 and is committed to being a Just A Minute (JAM) Card friendly organisation.
