Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Overview

Defra is committed to being an organisation in which fairness and inclusion are central to our working relationships.

At Defra we want you to experience a respectful, welcoming, and engaging working environment, free from discrimination. We encourage applications from neurodiverse people and believe that it is only through having a mix of ideas and ways of thinking that we will be able to continue our culture of high-quality work.

We have strong staff networks covering mental health, disability, and other needs. We also have a range of special leave policies for hospital appointments and will put reasonable adjustments in place for people who need them.

The department places significant emphasis on talent programmes that help everyone to achieve their full potential. The Civil Service as a whole is committed to providing a work environment free from discrimination, harassment, bullying and victimisation. Support available includes a Bullying and Harassment network and mediation services.

Inclusive Hiring Process: Embracing Diversity

Diversity and inclusion are at the very heart of what we do, from the initial application process and throughout the 2-year programme. We’ve pioneered new recruitment strategies aimed at increasing diversity. We understand that this is the driving force that inspires innovation and enhances the learning experience for everyone. It’s what makes our process so unique because it:

• Doesn’t require a CV: We value your potential more than your past experiences. We don’t want to know about your academic or professional background – we just want to see what you can do. By scrapping CVs, we can focus on an individual’s key transferrable skills, abilities, and the potential that you’ve developed throughout your unique journey.
• Anonymises application screening: As part of your initial application, you’ll be asked to complete 3 to 4 ‘sift questions’, which ask you to imagine yourself in different situations that might happen at work and articulate how you would deal with them. When reviewing applications, we never see your application details attached to these answers – they're completely anonymised and randomised, so we’re solely focused on whether your answers demonstrate the skills and values required for the role, ignoring any other factors.
• Includes a ‘Day-in-the-life' assessment centre: We give you a chance to experience realistic work situations and tasks that you’re most likely to face in the role. This will help us understand your skills, competencies, and determine whether this programme will support you to succeed. You’ll meet the team and have a final interview to round off the process. The day will give you a better understanding of the role and organisation, and whether it’s right for you.

During the hiring process, anyone who needs reasonable adjustments can receive one-to-one assistance, and all information can be provided in easily understood formats such as written instructions in ordinary English and videos too.

We want to hear from you regardless of your background.