Cross Justice Working Group on Race Data and Evidence: Collecting and using staff equality data in the justice sector

Why we collect staff equality data

We need to be clear about why we are collecting staff equality data, and ensure that collection is proportionate and that we use the data we collect. Justice organisations should collect EDI data for a number of reasons.

EDI data allows us to better understand the composition of our workforce and monitor trends over time. EDI data helps us to see how different groups of people experience the workplace and understand how workforce policy changes affect different groups of staff. The information we get from this allows us to also better direct our activities and resources to ensure that we are eliminating discrimination, harassment and victimisation, and are creating an inclusive culture where all staff feel valued.

The Public Sector Equality Duty as set out in the Equality Act 2010 places a responsibility on public sector organisations to eliminate discrimination and advance equality of opportunity. Accordingly, it is a legal requirement for justice organisations to collect and use staff equality data to demonstrate their progress in promoting equality.