Diversity and Inclusion Spotlight – November 2022

November’s update from the Analysis Function Diversity and Inclusion group

Inter Faith week takes place from 10 to 17 November 2022, Ben Kermah is a member of the AF D&I group and tells us how considering faith can help to create a fully inclusive workplace.

“Faith is an important aspect of one’s person, way of life and culture, it can underpin ethics and morality, and shapes one’s thinking, worldview and behaviour. 

The Inter Faith initiative aims to foster understanding and respect for different faiths, and thus create a more tolerant, inclusive and cohesive society which celebrates diversity. It promotes cultural awareness and intelligence, which improves relations between people of different faiths and no faith. 

It’s important to make provision in the workplace for faith and the Civil Service Faith & Belief toolkit can help with this. The toolkit looks specifically at inclusion from the perspective of faith and belief, with information on how to support specific religious practices and wider tips on how to make sure everyone in a team can feel included, such as how periods of fasting (Ramadan, Lent) may require a workplace adjustment to accommodate people.   

Celebration of religious festivals are important occasions for inter faith activity. Departmental networks organise events around such festivals to educate staff on faith and cultural practices, so I’d encourage you to find out about events taking place in your department during Inter Faith Week and participate where you can.”

Diversity into Leadership

The Office for National Statistics has opened up opportunities for analysts across government to join two popular leadership programmes. 

ONS Diversity into Leadership

The AF and ONS recognise that there are individuals within the organisation that possess the skills and potential to advance but encounter barriers because of their characteristics. The ONS has established the Diversity into Leadership programme to try to address these barriers through a three-month internal development programme designed to safely surface, discuss and tackle any unique obstacles faced by underrepresented groups.

The ONS has exceptionally broadened eligibility for the following schemes to include analysts from across government:

• Women into Leadership – open to all women
• Ethnic Minorities into Leadership – open to anyone who belongs to the following ethnic groups:
• Asian or Asian British.
• Black, Black British, Caribbean or African
• Multi-racial
• disABILITY into Leadership – open to anyone with a disability, long-term health condition or neurodiverse condition

Participants must also be a substantive AO-SEO and have passed the probation period.

The programmes take place over January, February and March 2023 and consist of a number of learning modules and peer coaching, along with mentoring opportunities and line manager support.

If this is of interest to you, please contact Analysis.Function@ons.gov.uk for further information and a short application form.  The deadline for applications is 18 November.

ONS Connected spaces available for Grade 7 and 6 ethnic minority analysts

ONS Connected aims to drive more positive outcomes for our Grade 7 and 6 ethnic minority colleagues, through a tailored programme of wrap-around support and development, and action with line managers and wider organisations to raise cultural awareness and capabilities in leading a diverse workforce.

The ONS has exceptionally broadened eligibility for the following schemes to include G7 and 6 analysts from across government who belong to the following ethnic groups:

• Asian or Asian British;
• Black, Black British, Caribbean or African;
• Multi-racial.

The programme consists of both core and bespoke development opportunities, over an initial 12-month period, to enable a flexible and targeted approach that meets individual needs. Development will then continue over a further 12-months to build on these foundations.

If this is of interest to you, please contact Analysis.Function@ons.gov.uk for further information and a short application form. The deadline for applications is 18 November.

Join us!

The Analysis Function’s D&I group is looking for new members.  Through delivering the AF D&I Strategy, the group aims to create a truly diverse and inclusive analysis community that is reflective of the UK society we serve. The group has been involved in much interesting work including developing the Inclusion Toolkit and organising popular Leaders in Analysis events.

If you’re interested in joining, please email Analysis.Function@ons.gov.uk.