Equality and diversity

The Government Legal Department (GLD) has a strong commitment to equality for all regardless of gender, gender reassignment, race, age, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity or disability.

GLD has a strong profile of women, ethnic minority staff and staff with disabilities at senior civil service (SCS) level and in feeder grades to the SCS.

Externally, GLD’s continued success is dependent upon our ability to anticipate, understand, adapt and respond to the changing values, needs and expectations of our clients and of society. Having a culturally diverse workforce improves our ability to conduct our business.

Our duties under the Equality Act 2010

When we make decisions, we have a duty under the Equality Act 2010 to have due regard to the need to:

  • eliminate discrimination, harassment and victimisation
  • promote equality of opportunity
  • foster good relations between people from different groups

Diversity statement

Inclusion is at the heart of making GLD a brilliant place to work. GLD wants to provide a safe, supportive workplace that ensures that everyone feels valued and included, where everyone’s talent and contribution is recognised and in which everyone can thrive and fulfil their potential.

Our three objectives to address matters that impact on all of us in GLD are:

  1. GLD attracts, grows and retains diverse talent. GLD continues to work to attract people from under-represented groups to join GLD and to retain our diverse talent by providing access to brilliant development and career opportunities to help everyone progress and flourish.

  2. Inclusive leaders. To focus on actions that develop inclusive leaders in GLD who are equipped with the skills, confidence and behaviours to build positive relationships with staff that enables everyone to thrive with a shared expectation, confidence and accountability.

  3. A brilliant employee experience for all. To take action that will ensure that our culture is inclusive, supportive and respectful. Our leaders will be equipped with the skills and tools needed to ensure this happens and that we have a workplace where everyone’s wellbeing matters and we all feel respected and able to be ourselves.