Equalities officers promote positive practices and attitudes towards particular groups such as ethnic minorities, disabled people and women, especially relating to education, employment, housing and access to services.

Job titles vary; examples include equality advisor, equality and diversity officer, and equal opportunities officer. Some organisations may employ officers to promote opportunities for one particular group. For example, police forces may employ race relations officers.

The work involves promoting change within organisations or the wider community by advising on the discriminatory effects of policies and practices, helping groups to articulate their needs and promoting understanding of relevant issues.

Duties will vary but may include:

• recognising equality issues within an organisation in order to ensure there is no discrimination in access to employment, education, training opportunities, and access to other services
• liaising with both external organisations and internal departments on equal opportunities issues within the company and the wider community
• working towards achieving a more balanced workforce by introducing new policies, and reviewing existing practices and procedures
• supporting community equal opportunities projects by working with groups and organisations such as Race Equality Councils, women's groups, disability groups and the Equal Opportunities Commission, the Commission for Racial Equality and the Disability Rights Commission
• supporting equalities initiatives and events such as international women's week
• working with local community groups to assess local needs, including facilities for specific groups
• advising on issues of recruitment, staff development and other internal policies and procedures, and monitoring these areas
• ensuring that advertising and promotional materials are not discriminatory
• preparing and delivering training, presentations and workshops.

Hours and Environment

Working hours are usually 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, but evening and weekend work may sometimes be required. There may be opportunities for part-time work.

The work is usually office-based, but local travel may be necessary to attend meetings.

Because the work involves dealing with controversial and politically sensitive issues it can be stressful. Therefore, although empathy is necessary, it is important to be able to maintain a level of detachment.

Skills and Interests

To be an equalities officer you should:

• be committed to equal opportunities
• have relevant work experience
• enjoy working with a wide variety of people; have good interpersonal skills
• have a knowledge and understanding of equal opportunities issues and legislation, and of cultural issues
• have good communication skills, including listening, negotiation, presentation and persuasion
• have the ability to work on your own initiative and as part of a team
• be open-minded, tactful and diplomatic.

The ability to speak a minority language may be required for some positions.

Entry

You will need knowledge and understanding of equal opportunities issues and legislation, and strong communication skills for this work.

To gain work as an equalities officer you are also likely to need relevant experience and possibly a professional qualification. Experience in areas such as law, social work, teaching, community work, and welfare rights is particularly relevant. A background in personnel or human resources may also be useful, and many equalities officers are members of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

Extensive voluntary experience with community groups may be enough to secure paid work with an organisation as a trainee or assistant equalities officer.

Many equalities officers have degree level qualifications, although this is not essential. Subjects particularly relevant to this area include education, law, psychology, sociology, business and management, and community and youth studies.

The entry requirements for a degree course will usually include five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) plus two A levels/three H grades. An Access to Higher Education qualification may also be accepted for entry to certain courses. Please check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.

A postgraduate qualification in a related subject such as race and ethnic relations, disability studies, or equality and diversity may also be useful.

There is no upper age limit and life experience is regarded favourably.

Training

There are no nationally agreed training standards or courses for equalities officers. Training is usually on the job, arranged by the employer to meet the needs of the organisation.

There are NCFE and NOCN Level 2 Certificates in Equality and Diversity available. These can be studied part-time or by distance learning and provide a foundation in equality issues.

It may also be possible to study part-time for a postgraduate degree in equality and diversity, or for the professional qualifications of the CIPD. The CIPD also offer short courses which may be useful for furthering or updating skills and knowledge; check their website for details (see Further Information).

Relevant short courses may also be offered by local colleges and other training providers.

Opportunities

Employers include public sector bodies such as local authorities and the civil service, professional bodies such as the Law Society, large companies and large educational establishments. In smaller organisations the work may be covered by the personnel department rather than being a separate post.

There may be opportunities to progress to a more senior position but this may involve relocation. For those with considerable experience, there may be the option of self-employment as a consultant.

Vacancies are advertised in the local and national press, in jobs bulletins produced by local councils and on organisations' websites.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Trainee officers or those combining the job with other duties may earn £16,000 a year.
Officers working for medium-sized organisations can earn between £18,000 and £27,000 a year.
Those with several years experience working for local authorities, universities or international companies may earn around £30,000.

Self-employed consultants can charge a daily rate which may be between £250 and £350.

Further information

Equality House
7-9 Shaftesbury Square
Belfast
BT2 7DP
Tel: 028 9050 0600 151 The Broadway
London
SW19 1JQ
Tel: 020 8612 6200 St Dunstan's House
201-211 Borough High Street
London
SE1 1GZ
Tel: 020 7939 0000 Tel: 08457 622 633 Arndale House
Arndale Centre
Manchester
M4 3EQ
Tel: 0845 601 5901