HC Deb 29 November 2000 vol 357 cc668-9W
12. Helen Jackson

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what progress her Department is making in promoting diversity in public services. [139188]

Mr. Stringer

We are making real progress in promoting diversity in the Civil Service. In the past six months, we have led a Managing Diversity and Cultural Change event for departments and agencies, for disabled staff a Supported Employment in the Civil Service Workshop, and we have set up the first Civil Service-wide diversity survey. We are also promoting diversity in the delivery of public services.

A new Civil Service-wide network for disabled people is being launched today by Sir Richard Wilson, Head of the Home Civil Service.

The Civil Service Disability Network has been set up by a group of disabled people from a cross-section of Government departments and agencies. It will provide a forum for dialogue between senior managers and disabled people in the Civil Service.

The Disability Rights Commission will also be attending the launch.