§ Joan RyanTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what research the Cabinet Office has undertaken to measure progress in recognising and improving diversity in the civil service.[1223]
§ Mr. LeslieI have today published two reports., one on the Civil Service Diversity Survey and the other a research report on "Equality in performance review in the Civil Service".
The diversity survey was conducted across the service to measure staff perception and experiences of working in the civil service in order to track progress on meeting objectives on civil service modernisation, diversity and equal opportunities. The research on equality in performance review was undertaken across six Departments, following an earlier research study on differences in performance markings between groups of staff.
The diversity survey identified the civil service as a good employer, with high ambitions as part of the civil service reform programme. The equality in performance review research suggests small but statistically significant differences in performance appraisal box markings between ethnic minority and white staff, disabled and able-bodied staff and men and women, and the research suggests underlying causes for this. These projects demonstrate the commitment of the civil service to continue to make progress to becoming truly diverse.
I have placed copies of both reports in the Libraries of both Houses.