Diversity champion statement

The diversity champion (DC) acts as a change agent, responsible for reiterating Department for Transport's commitment to becoming one of the leading departments in promoting good practice on diversity in employment and transport delivery.

Broad activities

Ensure the policies of the department are fully inclusive and meet the needs of all members of society - that we deliver 'Transport for All'. The DC will contribute to the aim by:

• signing off a vision and mission statement, demonstrating long-term business commitment towards mainstreaming diversity
• agreeing changes to standard submission formatting to include a heading of 'Diversity' against which submission writers should explain the impact of their recommendation on diversity issues.

Ensure that DfT staff develop an understanding of diversity issues and are familiar with the department's policies and expectations. The DC will contribute to this aim by:

• promoting attendance at diversity events, such as conferences, workshops, internal and external meetings
• signing off a strategic diversity plan at Executive Committee level with accountabilities at key management stages so that each directorate, division, branch has its own area that it must report on
• integrating the principles of diversity into all communications (sometimes without using the word 'diversity' but positioning diversity as a good people management practice or strong client relationship technique).

The diversity champion will fulfil an advocacy role and exemplify taking personal responsibility for valuing diversity:

• weaving the benefits of diversity into mainstreamed business issues and repeating the need for inclusiveness in all strands of business
• role-model appropriate behaviours through words and actions on an internal and external basis
• encourage a climate where everyone can challenge inappropriate behaviour of anybody within the organisation and reinforce the principles of dignity and respect
• reinforce leadership commitment at meetings by ensuring diversity is a fixed agenda item or is woven into other agenda areas