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Equal Opportunities Officer

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Equal Opportunities Officer

Equal Opportunities Officer Career Details

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, and 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.

Working 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 be able to maintain a level of detachment.

Equal Opportunities Officer Related Skills

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.

Equal Opportunities Officer Career 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.

Further Career Information

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