HC Deb 14 May 1984 vol 60 c58W
Mr. Janner

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his reply of 26 April, Official Report, column 588, when equal opportunities officers were designated within the Department; by whom such designation was made; and what the grades and duties of such officers are.

Mr. Jopling

The equal opportunity officer in my Ministry, who is a grade 5 officer, was designated in February by my director of establishments. He has four main roles:

  1. 1. To monitor the present policy and give advice on its development and implementation, as well as to oversee the collection of statistics and to ensure that any change of policy or improvements are implemented;
  2. 2. To be the focus in my Department and provide a direct link with the Cabinet Office (MPO), including attending periodic meetings to compare information and to discuss problems and progress on Civil Service non-discrimination policies;
  3. 3. To have direct access to those in personnel division responsible for decisions on staff, to provide specialist advice on equal opportunity policy, to help the decision-making process and to review departmental policy and recommend changes within the guidelines laid down by the Cabinet Office (MPO);
  4. 4. To be responsible for the dissemination of advice on policies and procedures to management and to deal with any queries or suggestions arising therefrom.