The Diversity & Inclusion Award
The DFID (now FCDO) Race Network launched a project to empower BAME men to share lived experiences, understand how race affects BAME men’s employment experiences, and advocate for improvements. In support of DFID’s first Race Action Plan, the team used a snowballing technique to engage BAME men, assuring them of anonymity and sensitive handling.The outcome was a report launched on 21
March 2020 (International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination) which provided unique insights on what is preventing BAME men from realising their potential, including subtle and overt forms of discrimination: racially-aggravated shouting, swearing, racist jokes and sexualised-racial harassment. Respondents demonstrated considerable bravery in providing testimonies. Support was offered and senior-level commitment was maintained throughout COVID-19 and the DFID/FCO merger leading to institutional change.
Campaign and Projects, Leeds, is a new office of over 400 people from a diverse range of backgrounds.The Diversity & Inclusion Group was formed by 11 volunteers who aim to ensure that staff recognise everyone’s individuality, with different values, skills and ways of thinking.They promote the benefits these differences bring to HMRC, and raise awareness of a range of topics; in the last year, the group has delivered over 30 awareness campaigns.Their ‘Time to Talk Day’ events promoted better understanding of mental health, and for Inclusion Week, the group organised engagement workshops such as exploring identities and ‘speed-inclusion’. Recognising the potential wellbeing impact of working from home due to COVID-19, the group developed online weekly group tasks to promote inclusion, bring teams together and combat feelings of isolation.
The CSCN brings together carers networks from across the Civil Service to share knowledge and resources, maximise the network support available to carers, and promote a carer-inclusive Civil Service through developing and improving policy approaches for supporting carers.They provide resources to help networks get going, including ideas for ways of working, training on wider Civil Service issues, and presentations to support outreach. In
2019, the network made suggestions for becoming a carer-inclusive Civil Service, which led to them being commissioned by the Chief People Officer to work with CSHR and create a carers strategy.This was launched in February 2020 with an update in June, and they are already working to implement the commitments made.
A winner of winners from the Civil Service Diversity & Inclusion Awards; an award that recognises real achievement and success at all levels of the Civil Service.