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Commenting in response to the Cabinet Secretary Sir Jeremy Heywood’s announcement yesterday, that four expert advisers have been appointed to help the Civil Service become more representative of modern Britain, a Commission spokesperson said:

“We welcome the appointment of the new diversity advisers which includes one of our Commissioners Lord Holmes. This is a positive step towards addressing the underrepresentation of disabled people, ethnic minority staff, LGB and T people and women in the Civil Service.  

“Progress in improving diversity in the Civil Service has been slow but this is an opportunity to address the issue with new vigour. If our civil service is to continue to be regarded as a world leader, it needs to draw on all talents across our communities or risk failing to draw on the full potential of the communities it seeks to serve.”

For more press information contact the Commission’s media office on 0161 8298102, out of hours 07767 272 818.

Notes to editors

The Equality and Human Rights Commission is a statutory body established under the Equality Act 2006. It is an independent body responsible for protecting and promoting equality and human rights in Great Britain.  It aims to encourage equality and diversity, eliminate unlawful discrimination, and promote and protect human rights.  The Commission enforces equality legislation on age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation. It encourages compliance with the Human Rights Act 1998 and is accredited by the UN as an ‘A status’ National Human Rights Institution.