§ Mr. MaclennanTo ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what steps she has taken to ensure that Government Departments promote equality between(a) older people, (b) disabled people, (c) ethnic minorities, (d) religious minorities, (e) women and (f) gay and lesbian people, and the rest of the population in each case, in service provision, employment, drafting of legislation and other activities; and if she will make a statement. [142517]
§ Marjorie MowlamAs an equal opportunities employer, the Civil Service is committed to fairness and equality of opportunity for all in employment and advancement on the basis of suitability for the work.
A central commitment of the Civil Service reform programme is to achieve a dramatic increase in diversity. The aim is to develop a service that values the diversity of its staff and enables all to realise their potential by recognising the contribution of all and the positive benefits that difference can bring.
245WIn respect of the services that Government Departments provide, all Departments aim to ensure that all the Government's activities, including policies, programmes, legislation and services are taken forward in line with the joint-departmental guidelines "Policy Appraisal for Equal Treatment" issued in 1998.