When I joined the civil service in 1998, it was impossible to imagine there would be awards celebrating the leadership of those from under-represented groups. Or that as a woman from an Asian background I would one day be a director general of the Government Legal Department. Although we have come far, we have further to go. It’s important we ensure public servants fully represent the diversity of the country we serve.
For me it is a priority to support leadership at every level in the civil service, and particularly important to support leaders from less represented backgrounds to succeed, so they can bring their unique insight and perspectives, so we collectively deliver outstanding public service.
This is why I am delighted to be judging the Women into Leadership Awards in October and the Ethnic Minorities into Leadership Awards in November. I agreed to be a judge because I have a strong belief in the importance of diverse role models, the power of visible leadership, and the difference it makes to celebrate success. Recognition is especially important for those who are under-represented in leadership roles, such as women and ethnic minorities. As a judge for the inaugural awards last year, it was deeply inspiring to read the achievements of, and the dedicated public service provided by, impressive leaders at all levels and stages of their careers. I am honoured to be asked to judge again.
Consider nominating someone who leads with integrity, uplifts others, or inspires through resilience
In GLD, we not only talk the talk about inclusive leadership, but we walk the walk. I am proud that the four most senior legal roles – including the permanent secretary – are held by women. In the legal sector, still dominated by men at the helm, GLD is a shining example of what can be achieved with the right support, recognition and investment. Some 66.4% of our staff are female, with 67.9% in the SCS. Over 22% of our staff are from an ethnic minority, with 13% in the SCS. These figures compare favourably to the rest of the civil service, although there is always more to do to improve representation across the protected characteristics. We strive to offer varied pathways into all our professions, including opening access to the legal profession through sandwich placements, apprenticeships and paralegal pathways – improving social mobility as a result. In addition to diversity networks for colleagues to join, our governance committees ensure diversity in decision-making through representation from diverse groups. We are also using our influence and buying power to shape the wider legal sector, for example recently launching the Counsel Diversity Project to ensure that we recruit and instruct a diverse range of barristers to represent the government. This is just one of many initiatives driving change across GLD and beyond.
Given how important role models, visible leadership and recognition are to shifting the dial on diversity and inclusion, please consider nominating a colleague for an award – someone who leads with integrity, uplifts others, or inspires through resilience. Being nominated, regardless of whether you win, builds confidence and inspires others. This in turn contributes to an inclusive environment in which everyone can thrive and to outstanding public services which benefit us all – now what could be more important and worth celebrating than that?
Nominations for the Women into Leadership Awards close on the 8 September. Find out more and nominate here
Nominations for the Ethinic Minorities into Leadership Awards close on 6 October. Find out more here
Mel Nebhrajani is director general for the Litigation with Justice and Security Group in the Government Legal Department