equality and diversity issues ?

AP007

Ok if asked this on an application form:

'Commitment to and understanding of equality and diversity issues and how they will impact on the work of the team'?

What does It mean? I have never been asked that before.

tattycath

Hi. I think this link probably explains it better than I could.
http://www.equal-works.com/resources/contentfiles/4853.pdf
HTH

zzzLazyDaisy

Equality and diversity used to be called 'equal opportunities'. It is about making sure people are treated fairly regardless of their race/gender/disability etc etc, not discriminated against, and in the case of people with disabilities that reasonable adjustments are made where appropriate.

This booklet might help

http://www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1363

AP007

Thanks guys. Just think its odd asking me if I am committed when they are the ones doing the hiring

tommytynan123

I was asked at an interview recently
''What is your understanding of Equality and Diversity?''
to which I said
''Be nice to everyone''

Chairman of the board said
''what a good answer''

Didn't get the job though:rotfl:

AP007

tommytynan123 wrote: »

I was asked at an interview recently
''What is your understanding of Equality and Diversity?''
to which I said
''Be nice to everyone''

Chairman of the board said
''what a good answer''

Didn't get the job though:rotfl:

So they weren't nice to you then! Boo

I am guessing private co's rarely if ever ask it.

This was for a University job so I guess they do ask these things.

Annisele

AP007 wrote: »

Thanks guys. Just think its odd asking me if I am committed when they are the ones doing the hiring

Not really. They're the ones doing the hiring - but you're the one who'll be working with their clients / subcontractors / other staff members. If you took it into your head that you were only prepared to work with people just like you, the employer would have a problem.

browneyedbazzi

Annisele wrote: »

Not really. They're the ones doing the hiring - but you're the one who'll be working with their clients / subcontractors / other staff members. If you took it into your head that you were only prepared to work with people just like you, the employer would have a problem.

Exactly, equalities relates to service users/customers/colleagues as much as to hiring practices - most public sector job applications (and probably a lot of big corporates too) will expect you to demonstrate that you have an understanding of equalities and that you behave in a way that is consistent with their policies on equalities.

AP007

Annisele wrote: »

Not really. They're the ones doing the hiring - but you're the one who'll be working with their clients / subcontractors / other staff members. If you took it into your head that you were only prepared to work with people just like you, the employer would have a problem.

But how do they know I have or have not a disability or come from a different background? The equality form I filled in play no part of the recruitment process other than this question asked on the form.

What about the employer who has it in their heads they will only take on white British people who are not disabled? I have worked for those types.

zzzLazyDaisy

AP007 wrote: »

But how do they know I have or have not a disability or come from a different background? The equality form I filled in play no part of the recruitment process other than this question asked on the form.

They don't and that's not the point of the question. What they want to know is what your attitude / approach / awareness is to diversity issues generally

What about the employer who has it in their heads they will only take on white British people who are not disabled? I have worked for those types.

Clearly this employer is diversity aware and does not fall into that category or they wouldn't be asking the question

I'm getting the feeling that you find the question objectionable in some way?

Missme

Monitoring the workforce or applicant demographic isn't the same as being committed to/understanding equality and diversity. Nor does a person need to be one of a minority or disadvantaged group for it to be relevant.

While 'be nice to every one' is an admirable sentiment it doesn't go far enough IMO. Respect, in that you recognise that everyone is NOT the same and 'levelling the playing field' by, for instance, making documents available in large print for people with visual impairment may be more of what the employer is looking for.