Report highlights substantial CPS progress on equality and diversity in employment
08/11/2006
The Crown Prosecution Service today welcomed the HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI) report "Equalities Driving Justice", which looks at how effectively the CPS applies its equality and diversity strategy and policies in relation to employment.
Welcoming the report, Director of Public Prosecutions Ken Macdonald QC, said:
"The report shows the very substantial progress which CPS has made in this important area in recent years. We now have one of the most diverse workforces in Whitehall at all levels. Equality is driven from the top and is built into wider day-to-day work, ensuring that we are fit to prosecute fairly in a diverse 21st century society. Whilst proud of our achievements we are not complacent. There is much still to do and we are firmly focused on delivering fair outcomes on equality and diversity across our business."
The report examines the CPS leadership's understanding of Equality and Diversity policies, the way they are communicated and understood throughout the organisation. It also focuses on the composition of the workforce: at the date of the survey, March 2005, the CPS overall employed 12 per cent Black and Minority Ethnic Staff, well above the civil service average.
The report also notes that the CPS has broadened its approach to include other diversity strands including gender, disability, sexuality and age and identifies areas for improvement, such as the management of flexible working practices and communicating a consistent message on Equality and Diversity.
Notes to Editors
- An Executive Summary and full copies of the HMCPSI report can be obtained from the Inspectorate by contacting Andreas Harding on 020 7210 1143 or 07901 856346 or via its website www.hmcpsi.gov.uk.
- CPS media enquiries to CPS Press Office on 020 7710 6088.
