§ Ms. RichardsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures he has implemented to ensure that recruitment and promotion policy in his Department does not directly or indirectly discriminate against applicants who were mature students or women returning to work following a career break due to child care.
§ Mr. HurdHome Office recruitment advertisements emphasise that applications will be welcomed regardless of the sex or marital status of candidates, and there are no barriers to mature candidates and those returning to work. 755W Recruitment interviewers receive specific training which focuses on the risks of conscious and unconscious discrimination, and how to avoid them.
Subject to the application of seniority fields for a few grades, promotion in the Home Office is strictly on merit. All promotion board members receive training and are required to follow departmental guidance on fair and non-discriminatory procedures. There are specific arrangements to ensure that members of staff on maternity leave are considered by promotion boards.