Ministry of Defence signs up to diversity con

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced that it has signed a pledge designed to improve diversity in the job sector.

Signing up for the Next Step Foundation's Diversity Mark scheme, the MoD claimed that it was committed to boosting representation of people from ethnic minority communities in the ministry and the UK armed forces.

The ministry is the first public sector organisation to sign up to the Diversity Mark scheme, which commits holders to encouraging job applicants from ethnic minority backgrounds, helping them with career development and encouraging senior ethnic minority staff to act as role models.

Progress towards commitments under the Diversity Mark is monitored and holders are encouraged to promote diversity on all levels, throughout the organisation.

Under secretary of state for defence, Derek Twigg, and MoD permanent under secretary and civil service diversity champion, Bill Jeffrey, received the Diversity Mark certificate from Keith Vaz MP, patron of the Next Step Foundation.

"I am delighted that the MoD has joined this scheme," Mr Twigg said. "The MOD and Armed Forces are determined to become more representative of our diverse society, harnessing the wealth of talent and skills of individuals from different ethnic and religious groups."

Mr Vaz called on other government departments to join the non profit scheme and commit to recruiting and developing personnel from ethnic minority backgrounds.

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Date:25/05/2007 12:04:28