Diversifying the Civil Service Daniel Foster Civil Service Islamic Society (chair)

1. Diversifying the Civil Service Daniel Foster Civil Service Islamic Society (chair) info@CivilServiceIslamicSociety.org Nazir Afzal, OBE Crown Prosecution Service London West (director) 3rd April 2008

2. Key messages • Muslims are a growing minority in the UK • Evidence they are underrepresented at higher grades in the civil service • This is despite high education levels of Muslim civil servants • Sir Gus O’Donnell wants the Civil Service to be the #1 employer for Muslims in the UK • Permanent secretaries, diversity leads, HR, policy makers and line managers have a part to play • The CSIS is here to help

3. The survey • Early in 2006 the CSIS surveyed 101 Muslim civil servants • Respondents were predominantly Whitehall based • They came from around 15 different departments • Results are indicative rather than conclusive • But this is the best information we have so far

4. Some Statistics Awareness • 85% of respondents felt their beliefs were respected But • 56% felt colleagues lacked even a basic understanding of Islam • 30% felt they couldn’t discuss Islam freely in the workplace

5. Some Statistics Discrimination • 78% of respondents felt they were treated equally at work But • 44% felt Muslims don’t have the same opportunities as others in the Civil Service, and • 31% have been discriminated against because of their faith

6. Some Statistics Promotion and progression • 86% of respondents felt promotion processes are fair • 98% felt recruitment processes are fair But • 86% of respondents were at HEO level or below • The majority have degrees (some postgraduate) • 45% didn’t expect to enter the SCS within their career

7. Some Statistics Facilities • 81% of respondents had access to a prayer room at work But • 11% were not permitted to take time off to pray • 36% didn’t have access to necessary wash facilities to prepare for prayer

8. Some Statistics And finally… • 85% of respondents would recommend the Civil Service to other Muslims …(no buts)

9. Looking forwards • Faith monitoring on a par with race monitoring • Cultural awareness training • Prayer rooms and wash facilities • Encouraging applications to Fast Stream and promotion boards

10. Key messages • Muslims are a growing minority in the UK • Evidence they are underrepresented at higher grades in the civil service • This is despite high education levels of Muslim civil servants • Sir Gus O’Donnell wants the Civil Service to be the #1 employer for Muslims in the UK • Permanent secretaries, diversity leads, HR, policy makers and line managers have a part to play • The CSIS is here to help

11. Nazir Afzal OBE • Director, CPS London West; Service champion for advocacy; Higher Court Advocate. • Foremost criminal justice practitioner Honour Crimes: organised CPS/Police conference on the subject in 2004 and given over 200 interviews in mainstream and S. Asian media. • Involved with: • National Muslim Safety Forum (CPS representative) • Commission on British Muslims (Commissioner) • Centre for Muslim Affairs (founding trustee). • One of Muslim Power 100 and Asian Power 100. • Named CPS Public Servant of the year (2007) and awarded Daily Mirror “People’s award” voted for by Mirror readers • Honoured with an OBE in 2005 New Year’s Honours List.

12. Nazir Afzal OBE • The personal journey • Gaining confidence • Challenging myself • Importance of networks • What you can do

13. About the CSIS • The Civil Service Islamic Society was founded in 2005 with a remit to represent Muslims in the workplace and to policymakers • Championed by Sir Gus O’Donnell • Almost 200 members in 30 departments/agencies • Run a series of events, including “Question the Misconception” with Sh. Ibrahim Mogra • We have a quarterly newsletter and a website (www.CivilServiceIslamicSociety.org) with an info@ address dedicated to answering your queries