We’re using data to understand more about the diversity of the GFF, so we can address underrepresentation and work towards building a community that reflects the society we serve. We’re working with government recruitment teams to ensure hiring processes are always fair, inclusive and bringing in a diverse range of candidates. And we’re spreading the word about government finance, to help people from all backgrounds feel that a career with us could be for them.
Our focus on equality, diversity and inclusion is underpinned by our belief in the power of community. We want everyone within the Government Finance Function (GFF) to know and feel that they have a voice in our future. And to do that, we’ve got to ensure everyone feels valued, included and empowered. It’s why we embrace difference, wholeheartedly. Because it’s by considering problems from every angle, every perspective, that we’re able to make well-rounded and deeply considered decisions. The kind of decisions that help us achieve great outcomes for people right across the UK.
With the GFF, you’ll find a culture that helps everyone feel a sense of belonging. You’ll find a community that’s constantly listening and learning, which means we’re able to do our roles to the very best of our abilities. Even though we’re proud of our culture, we know we can’t be complacent.
We work in organisations big and small, right across the country. So ensuring the GFF remains a tight-knit community where everyone feels they belong takes constant action. It means there’s always more we can do. Which is why matters of diversity, inclusion and wellbeing will always be among our top priorities.
The GFF is a community made up of people from lots of different backgrounds, with lots of different experiences. We’re working incredibly hard to make sure we’re doing more on social mobility, on ethnic diversity, and on getting the gender balance right in our teams.
Most importantly, we’re inclusive in everything we do. We make sure that no matter what your background is, what your seniority level is, or where you sit in government finance, you have a say in how our community runs.
Precious, Senior Finance Business Partner
Laura, Finance Fast Streamer
Manuela, Finance Director
There’s still work to do, but I’ve seen first-hand how committed the GFF is to their Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing strategy.
Because we know there’s strength in numbers, all our work is measurable through data. It means we’ve got clear plans, and clear ways to figure out whether we’re hitting the mark. Our approach falls into four main themes.
We’re increasing collaborative working across the country, to ensure everyone – in organisations big and small – feels fully included in our community. We’re working with our networks to help everyone feel empowered to have their say in how our community runs. And we’re actively encouraging inclusive behaviour through training, information sessions and knowledge sharing.
We’re providing specialist training for managers to strengthen their ability to have meaningful conversations about wellbeing with their teams. We’re working with our organisations to ensure new joiners are all well-equipped to access any support they might need. And we’re working to identify specific gaps in support, developing interventions and events to address them.
We’re investing in our networks and working closely with them on our plans for the future. We’re holding engagement sessions to give colleagues a platform to have open and honest conversations about all aspects of diversity and inclusion. And we’re providing even more opportunities for everyone to connect, no matter where they’re based in the country – so everyone’s got equal access to the benefits of being part of the GFF.
I'm passionate about contributing to our community, because I know the openness, inclusion and support I've received has been instrumental to my career.
Our networks aren’t just forums for people to connect – they play a key part in shaping our culture and work. They're all run by GFF community members, alongside their day-to-day roles.
We collaborate with our networks to make sure we always take an intersectional approach that’s considerate of the overlapping identities that make us who we are, as well as everyone’s unique perspective. Let’s get to know them.
Alongside our own networks, everyone in the GFF also has access to the wider Civil Service networks too. Find out more about them by following the link below.
All the organisations that are part of the GFF are Disability Confident employers. They’re committed to ensuring their workplace is accessible to everyone – that includes the recruitment process, day-to-day work, all the way through to training and progression opportunities.
Find out more about reasonable adjustments and what it means to be a Disability Confident employer by following the link below.