Equality, diversity and inclusion

Diversity assessment framework (DAF)

The DAF is our set of guidelines to encourage engagement and progress against the objectives in our EDI strategy. It contains a set number of indicators. All parts of our organisation submit evidence and provide assurance of how these indicators have been met. This is centrally reviewed, leading to a score and a detailed feedback report, which helps us track and monitor progress over time.

Equality screening and impact assessment (ESIA)

Whenever we introduce a new policy or process, or develop a new programme, project or activity, we assess the potential impact on different groups of people. We consider if there is any potential for unjustified discrimination, or an opportunity to promote equality and greater inclusion, and if so, identify what could be done differently. This helps us to put EDI into our work from the start.

Equality monitoring

To build a detailed picture of who we work with, we have been collecting data from our UK-contracted staff since 2001/02. Many of our overseas offices also collect data about their staff. The data we collect in the UK includes age, disability, ethnicity/race, gender, religion/belief, sexual orientation and working pattern. We compare the results against national and local populations to see where under- or over-representation exists, and then take action to try to achieve a better balance. This helps us see whether we are reaching all sections of society. Find out more about our approach to equality monitoring in this animation.

British Council organises and offers a wide variety of initiatives promoting equality, diversity and inclusion:

• Unlimited: Making the Right Moves

An arts and disability programme arising from a common-sense idea that there are no limits for those who dream big, regardless of background or physical ability. Since its inception in 2015 as a British Council programme, it has had a significant effect on the arts and theatre scene and on the lives of the disabled people living in Azerbaijan.

• Enhancing Employability Skills for People with Disabilities

The programme aims to increase employability prospects and the skills of people with disabilities living in Azerbaijan. This is achieved by enhancing the English language, computer and soft skills of the programme participants. This programme is part of BP's social investment portfolio and is implemented by the British Council Azerbaijan with the support of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection.

• English Clubs

English Clubs is an initiative that will develop young people’s skills so that they have access to stronger employment opportunities in the future. It also aims to increase understanding and acceptance of tolerance, mutuality, dialogue and equality among the wider community which will support broadening of horizons of young people and being open diverse views and opinions.

• TOPs - Modern Educational Technology in Physical Education

TOPs equips physical education teachers with new skills on modern educational technologies in physical education, creating an advantageous environment for the development of learners’ physical skills regardless of their physical and psychological health conditions.

• FiveFilms4Freedom

The programme, which features work by emerging filmmakers from across the world, is selected from and coincides with BFI Flare. Through our global network in more than 100 countries, we encourage people to watch the films in solidarity with LGBTQ+ communities in places where freedom and equal rights are limited. We ask audiences to share the films using the hashtag #FiveFilms4Freedom in recognition of the fact that Love is a Human Right.

• Access to Hospitality and Apprenticeship Scheme

AHA is aimed at increasing employment opportunities for vocational education graduates in Azerbaijan's growing hospitality and tourism sectors. Graduates benefactors from the programme come from economically disadvantaged geographic areas and communities of the country.

The British Council ensures equal opportunities to all candidates, including people with special needs. We can make arrangements to accommodate special circumstances or requirements to enable test takers to attend a test centre, to understand questions and to give their exam answers. You can find more information, and how to get support, here.

We want the British Council to be an inclusive place to work. We aim to create opportunities and reduce barriers for everyone, particularly under-represented groups. We are committed to making sure there is no unjustified discrimination in our processes for recruitment and selection, performance management and pay, and that promotion and retention is fairly granted across all our operations.

We are a Disability Confident employer. This means we welcome and want to attract, recruit and retain disabled people within our workforce, so we can benefit from their skills and talents.

Every year British Council organises Diversity Week for its employees in order to raise awareness of diversion, equality and inclusion.