Diversity and Inclusion
The DfE actively champions and celebrates diversity and inclusion. Our vision is to create an inclusive DfE, which nurtures talent and reflects the ever-increasing diversity of our department, mirroring the country we serve.
Our commitments are based on three key aims; creating a diverse DfE, an inclusive DfE, and a DfE which realises potential in all.
Our aim is to attract, interview, employ, reward, retain and promote talented staff from all characteristics and backgrounds, across all our UK regional sites. This will help the DfE to deliver critically important work for the population we serve.
Part of how we will continue to meet our aim is by:
- providing reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process
- participating in the Going Forward to Employment and Guaranteed Interview
- schemes for veterans and disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria for the post
We want everyone who works at the DfE to be able to bring their best to work, and a supportive, inclusive environment makes that possible.
Our aim is that we can talk openly, transparently, and thoughtfully about issues that affect us at the DfE. We use good quality conversations to promote understanding, deepen relationships and support wellbeing.
Our staff Networks support these conversations and our positive working environment, supporting managers to retain our talented workforce.
We want to attract, develop and retain the very best talent to work at the DfE.
We are the Department for realising potential. That’s not just for children and learners across the country, we want to realise our own potential in the Department itself. We work every day to build our own capability, supported by a world class learning and development programme, that helps us all be the best we can be.
The programme has everything you need to plan your L&D journey: Access courses to develop your skills, discover development opportunities like apprenticeships, find information about our professions, as well as the latest L&D news and guidance.
All to support you in your career at DfE.
Wellbeing
The DfE has a network of trained volunteer Mental Health First Aiders and Fair Treatment Ambassadors that support our staff wellbeing and experiences. The DfE staff have full access to the Employee Assistance Programme to support their wellbeing. Sports days aren’t just for pupils; the DfE hosts an annual northern and southern sports day for all staff to promote staff wellbeing.
“We have introduced interventions encouraging and supporting staff to be confident in holding conversations on how to be more inclusive and open. We are using the positives of the experience to continue improving the opportunities, experiences and outcomes for staff from all backgrounds.”
Clive Palmer
Head of Diversity and Inclusion
“At our heart, we are the department for realising potential. Not just that of the children and learners, but also each other’s – and this is one of my priorities.”
Susan Acland-Hood
DfE Permanent Secretary
John Bannister – Co-Chair of the Neurodivergence Network
Read John’s blog about his role at the DfE, including his role as Co-Chair of the Neurodivergence Network.
Millie Beaton Co-Chair of the Young People Network
Read Millie’s blog about her role at the DfE, including her role as Co-Chair of the Young People Network.
Inderjit Sanghera – Co-Chair of the BAME Network
Read Inderjit’s blog about his role at the DfE including his role as Co-Chair of the BAME Network.
“At the DfE, we are incredibly proud to have received formal recognition as a Carer Confident organisation who values and champions carers. This accreditation is an excellent way to demonstrate the commitment we have to ensuring that our support package to carers reflects their needs and lived experiences.”
Laura Levin
Co-Chair of the DfE Carers’ Network