§ Mr. JannerTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when his Department last conducted a survey of the ethnic origin of its employees; when it next plans to do so; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BurtThe Department last conducted a full survey in June 1989 by means of a voluntary questionnaire. The data is routinely updated with information on new staff and leavers.
As part of our commitment to the civil service programme for action on race, the Department, including its executive agencies, has taken steps to improve the response rate to the survey. In February 1992, we completed a resurvey of recent entrants in some parts of the Department. We are considering further action as part of our 1992–93 equal opportunities action plans.
§ Mr. JannerTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what steps he has taken to recruit members of ethnic minorities in top grades of employment at his Department.
§ Mr. BurtThe Recruitment and Assessment Services Agency undertakes the direct recruitment of senior grades94W to the Department on behalf of the civil service commissioners. They have taken various steps to aid the recruitment of members of ethnic minorities.
The Department of Social Security, as an equal opportunities employer, seeks to encourage the employment and career development of members of ethnic minorities.