House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the Civil Service
14 May 2024 · Cabinet Office
Proposed by Esther McVey Con Tatton
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The Government is addressing the issue of proportionate and efficient spending on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion within the Civil Service.
- The Cabinet Office is publishing guidance to centralise EDI efforts and regulate spending.
- New guidelines on political impartiality related to EDI are being introduced.
Issue summary
The Government is addressing the issue of proportionate and efficient spending on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) within the Civil Service.
Action requested
The Cabinet Office is publishing guidance to end all external EDI spending unless authorised by Ministers, centralise EDI guidance for departments, regulate learning through the Civil Service Learning Framework, consolidate standalone EDI roles into HR teams, and standardise diversity content in job adverts. Additionally, new guidelines on political impartiality related to EDI are being introduced.
Key facts
- Total EDI expenditure across 95 Civil Service organisations was £27.1 million for the 2022-23 financial year.
- The Inclusion at Work Panel's March 2024 report found that many employers lack an evidence base and knowledge of EDI initiative impacts.
- Support for disability will be excluded from changes to ensure continued assistance for disabled staff.