Defence organisations praised for racial equality

Eight security and defence organisations have been recognised for their racial equality after securing a place in Business in the Community’s first ever ‘Best 100 Race Employers’ listings.

The Ministry Of Defence (MOD), MI5, MI6, GCHQ, Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, the British Army and the Home Office all featured in the unranked list which aims to praise organisations that are leading on race and collectively represent the best employers for Black, Asian and Minority (BAME) people in the UK.

The BAME community make up just four per cent of the current workforce at the MOD and that wasn’t good enough in the view of the MOD’s chief of defence people lieutenant general Richard E Nugee.

“We are not representative of the current British workforce; that is simply unacceptable,” he commented.

“We know that future demographics point to an even more diverse UK population and we need to ensure that we are an employer of choice and can attract the best, that our BAME staff are supported, their unique and diverse contribution is valued, and positive change is visible.”

MI6 chief Alex Younger was of a similar mindset, stating his intention to achieve a service that reflects UK society today as he revealed that a growing number of talented BAME candidates were applying to MI6 in greater numbers.

“The time for talk on race in the workplace is over, it’s time to act,” Mr Younger said.

“As head of a dynamic, global organisation, I need the best talent from the widest range of backgrounds to counter the threats facing this country - simply, MI6 needs the best people that this country has to offer.”