Progressing the Analysis Function Diversity and Inclusion Strategy

The Analysis Function Diversity & Inclusion Strategy is supported by the D&I working group, which is made up of three delivery strands. Each strand supports one of the strategic aims outlined in the Analysis Function (AF) D&I Strategy:

• Attract – focus on recruitment and attracting a diverse range of candidates to careers in government analysis.
• Build – focus on creating additional development opportunities for members of the function in under-represented groups.
• Create – focus is to champion a more inclusive approach and practices across the function.

Each month, the Create strand will be sharing best practice from across government and beyond in the AF Newsletter to demonstrate how and why we can, and must, strive to create analytical teams that are both diverse and inclusive.

By regularly sharing best practice, the group aims to help you consider how to improve equality and inclusion in your teams, and to encourage analysts to share their diverse experience and perspectives and to take credit for the value they add to discussions.

If you would like to join the working group, tell us about best practice within your teams and departments or subscribe to the AF monthly Newsletter, please email us at Analysis.Function@ons.gov.uk

International Women’s Day

This month, to celebrate International Women’s Day, the Create team asked the Women in Economics group to provide us with the highlights of their work:

“Have you ever been the only woman in a meeting and worried that people won’t take you seriously? Been so nervous to contribute that you missed your chance? Or cried in the loos during a terrible day? Well we have. And until we started talking to others about it, we thought it was just us.”

The Women in Economics network provides a forum to share experiences, supporting nearly 350 economists (A0-G7) over 25 departments and agencies. Popular events have involved SCS speaking candidly on topics that aren’t often discussed – ‘Are women judged for what they wear at work?’ or ‘Being afraid to speak up in meetings’. Hearing honest admissions from senior role models normalises these experiences, empowering members to share their own concerns and to recognise that this won’t prevent them from achieving their full potential.

To sign up to the mailing list and attend events, please email womenineconomicscommittee@gmail.com All are welcome to take part regardless of gender or grade, and the group is also open to non-economists.