The MOD Conduct, Equity and Justice Directorate
The Ministry of Defence’s Conduct, Equity and Justice (CEJ) Directorate was officially launched on 1st April 2021, with the ambition to support Defence in being recognised within the UK and internationally, as leaders in equality, justice, and fairness.
The Directorate sets the strategic direction for D&I across Defence (both military and civilian) with a whole force remit, cohering and delivering a range of projects and policies. The creation of the CEJ Directorate was a clear and public statement of Defences’ intent to act to tangibly, rapidly, and significantly improve the experience of all those working in Defence.
In a rapidly changing world with new threats emerging and evolving, we will only meet current and future security challenges and threats if all our people, regardless of background, are confident to give their best self, have their effort and their skills properly recognised, their individuality and experience respected and are able to achieve their full potential.
“Our role is to identify the positive things we can do to make Defence more diverse and to unlock the power of that diversity through inclusion, making sure that all our people are able to maximise their talent and deliver their very best to protect our nation.”
Sam des Forges,
Director of Conduct, Equity & Justice
The MOD Directorate of Conduct, Equity & Justice provides 3 broad areas of focus:
Staff Network consultants
Defence staff network consultants work alongside staff networks to improve the experience and opportunities of colleagues in minority groups within the department.
Policies and Projects
The policy and project team develop projects and policies which will enable Defence to become a more diverse and inclusive employer. Areas of work include a cross-cutting team which leads on proactive and reactive communications, benchmarking, secretariat and D&I training.
Measuring Change
Finally, the portfolio office measures and analyses D&I activities across to Defence to ensure they deliver meaningful change.
Defence Staff Networks
We are fortunate to have a variety of thriving staff Networks across our organisation, and our subsidiaries, that support and drive forward our work in building an inclusive and diverse workforce.
Our networks make sure that everyone across Defence can have their voice heard. They contribute to supporting all under-represented and disadvantaged groups and individuals within our organisation, providing our people with a safe space to speak up, share experiences and facilitate learning and development. Our partnership with the networks helps shape and deliver ideas that improve Defence, and help us build a department where everyone, regardless of background, is confident to give their best self, have their effort and skills properly recognised, and their individuality and experiences respected.
Creating a diverse and inclusive workplace across Defence is a priority. Our networks make sure that everyone across Defence can have their voice heard. They contribute to supporting all under-represented and disadvantaged groups within our organisation, providing our people with a safe space to speak up, share experiences and facilitate learning and development.
Networks in Focus – Defence Dyslexia Network
The Defence Dyslexia Network is a pivotal force in cultivating a workplace environment that champions diversity and inclusivity within Defence. With a steadfast commitment to fostering an atmosphere where every individual’s voice is heard, the network ensures that all Defence members have a platform to share their unique perspectives and narratives. Through dedicated support the network establishes a nurturing space for individuals to exchange experiences, foster empathy, and drive personal and professional advancement.
Notably, the Defence Dyslexia Network stands out for its transformative impact on the perception of dyslexia within the Defence community. By encouraging members to embrace a fresh outlook the network plays a vital role in reshaping attitudes and promoting a more inclusive culture that values diversity in all its forms.
Our Network aims are to:
- Create a safe space to discuss dyslexia
- Normalise the conversation around it
- Allow those with dyslexia to be themselves
- Assist people with identifying their strengths with dyslexia
- Encourage alternative thinking regarding how to support those with dyslexia
- Lessen the pressures and stresses for those with dyslexia
The Ministry of Defence is proud to announce that it has been awarded the Bronze award by the British Dyslexia Association in recognition of its commitment to supporting individuals with dyslexia within the organisation.
This prestigious accolade highlights the Ministry of Defence’s dedication to creating an inclusive and accessible environment for all its members, including those with dyslexia.Through implementing best practices, providing necessary support, and promoting awareness, the Ministry of Defence has demonstrated its ongoing efforts to empower individuals with dyslexia to thrive in their roles and contribute effectively to the organisation’s mission.
Voices of Change – Dyslexia in Defence
Lisa Hodge, a defence senior commercial manager and co-chair of the Defence Dyslexia Network recently shared her insightful experience of dyslexia in the workplace.
“I was diagnosed at the age of 32. I have struggled all throughout my life with many aspects of reading, writing and retaining information, but no one ever picked it up. I put in place my own mechanisms to cope and was fortunate enough to have my dad review all my work for school and university before it was ever submitted.
I couldn’t read until I was around the age of 9. It was actually my son who drove me to getting a diagnosis. He has struggled in school since he was 4. School have assessed him and he was put on the SpLD spectrum, which only helped a little. Watching him struggle and remembering my own struggles was startling. I decided last year was the time to get assessed.
I’m very fortunate to work for the MOD who paid for and supported my journey to diagnosis last year. If it wasn’t for their support I would not have been diagnosed with dyslexia, so I definitely thank them for this. It’s given me a sense of empowerment I never knew I needed. I also got my disability passport in work which lists my special software to assist me in work.
Education without a diagnosis
I went through school and university all without a diagnosis and I still achieved. I did not enjoy any part of this time because it was so challenging. I graduated university with a 2:2 and I’m proud of that. I struggle with note taking, so sitting in lectures and taking anything away from a lecture was almost impossible.
There’s no way I could have ever remembered most of what was said. If it wasn’t for my son struggling then I would never have embarked on my journey of diagnosis so I will always be thankful to him for that because a weight that I didn’t realise I was carrying has been lifted.
Receiving a dyslexia diagnosis
MOD helped and supported me throughout the assessment journey. Hearing the assessor say those few words ‘you have dyslexia’ was a moment of euphoria. It was like a weight had been lifted. There was a reason for all of my struggles. Getting that report was so damning. That felt like a punch to the stomach really because it does make you feel bad about yourself and abilities, but it had been a brilliant step in moving forward with proper support in place.
Getting this sorted for myself made the decision to pay to get my son diagnosed with dyslexia a very easy thing to do. This has opened so many doors in school for him. Our joint journey has been the best thing and I am so glad I took the first steps. It’s never too late for the diagnosis. Obviously the sooner the better, which is why I decided it was the best thing to do for my son.
Post Diagnosis
Since my diagnosis I have been promoted multiple times and have really built a huge amount of confidence in myself and my skillset, this has come from understanding myself better and being able to get the right support to enable me to thrive.
MOD have been incredibly supportive in enabling me to seek diagnosis to then building and being part of the Dyslexia network.
MOD and dyslexia
There was a gap in the network space for dyslexia, 3 years ago myself and a small group of people created the Defence Dyslexia Network. We have the simple aims:
- To create a safe space to discuss Dyslexia
- Normalising the conversation around it
- Allowing those with Dyslexia to be themselves
- Assist people in identifying their strengths with Dyslexia
- Encourage alternative thinking regarding how to support those with dyslexia
- Lessen the pressures and stresses for those with Dyslexia
The network is one of the biggest in MOD and we support everyone, if you have dyslexia, suspect you may have dyslexia or are supporting someone with dyslexia.
I am incredibly proud to be the co-chair and Civilian lead for the network which is a role I have built a lot of confidence in. the network has a monthly forum where you can be part of the conversation and it often feels like a place where you have found people who accept you and understand you without you having to explain and feel the need to apologise for who you are.
Be unapologetically you and embrace your dyslexia. I’m #MadeByDyslexia – expect big thinking & small typos”.
Trade Unions
The Trade Unions are the formal voice of the MOD civil service staff and are formally and informally consulted by the central D&I team. Networks provide a different perspective on inclusion issues to the organisation.
We are fortunate to have a variety of thriving staff Networks across our organisation, and our subsidiaries, that support and drive forward our work in building an inclusive and diverse workforce.
Our partnership with the Trade Unions and networks help shape and deliver ideas that improve Defence, and help us build a department where everyone, regardless of background, is confident to give their best self, have their effort and skills properly recognised, and their individuality and experiences respected