§ Ms KellyTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on the progress that has been made towards achieving equality of opportunity in the Civil Service. [37893]
§ Dr. David ClarkI have today published two reports on equal opportunities in the Civil Service:Equal Opportunities in the Civil Service—A Progress Report 1995–97 and Equal Opportunities in the Civil Service. Data Summary 1997. Copies of both reports have been placed in the libraries of the House and will be made available on the Internet.
Against a background of falling Civil Service numbers, progress continues to be made in this important area. For example, at HEO level, the representation of women has increased to nearly 30 per cent., from 28 per cent. in 1996; ethnic minority representation at first management level, Executive Officer, has risen to 4.8 per cent. from 4.4 per cent. in 1996; and the proportion of staff with disabilities now stands at 3.8 per cent.
However, the reports counsel against complacency. They show that women are still under-represented at middle and senior management levels. Ethnic minority and disabled staff are still predominately concentrated in junior grades.
To help increase the representation of these groups at all levels in the Service, the Progress Report recommends that Departments and Agencies concentrate on the following key areas: organisational commitment; action plans; monitoring and mainstreaming.