VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: Equality

Asked by Lee AndersonReform UKDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 4 April 2025UIN 41931

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what diversity, equality and inclusion targets his Department has for staff recruitment.

Answered by Daniel Zeichner

Defra complies with the Civil Service Recruitment Principles by ensuring that appointments to the Civil Service are made on the basis of merit following a fair and open competition.

There are four strategic Defra group equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) objectives for 2024-26. One of these objectives is to attract, empower and retain diverse talent. Defra does not have set targets for EDI in relation to recruitment. Defra seeks to draw on talent across all protected characteristics as well as geographical, social and career backgrounds, providing opportunities to build a workforce which is reflective of the communities we serve.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim