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Civil service announces diversity drive

Civil service announces diversity drive

The civil service is to increase measures to attract a more diverse workforce, cabinet secretary Sir Gus O’Donnell announced today.

And as part of the new plans, top civil servants will have their pay directly linked to their efforts to promote diversity.

The news comes after it was revealed that Whitehall had missed some of its recruitment targets for women and people with disabilities.

Speaking at the launch, Sir Gus said: “I want the civil service to be a beacon for change and a model of best practice for all organisations.

“A truly representative workforce, including at the most senior levels, will enable policies and services to be developed in ways which will result in better outcomes for everyone in society.”

Bill Jeffrey, the Ministry of Defence’s permanent secretary, has been appointed “diversity champion” and will be tasked with overseeing the plans.