A policy issued by the State Services Commissioner under section 6 of the State Sector Act 1988 (SSA). This policy supports the responsibilities of chief executives as set out in sections 56 and 58 of the Act. It applies to all departments in the Public Service.

Policy statement - in a nutshell

We will base appointments on merit, while recognising the employment aspirations of Māori, ethnic and minority groups, women, and people with disabilities. We will ensure fairness in employment for all persons and groups of persons. The integration of equality and diversity throughout the Public Service will be a key aspect of strategic planning and performance, and chief executives will provide the lead in working towards this. Equality and diversity in the Public Service, as required by the State Sector Act 1988, will enable the best service to the government of the day and to New Zealanders.

Equality and diversity

Equality and diversity mean:

• treating people fairly and with respect, ensuring equality of access to opportunities (equality), and
• understanding, appreciating and realising the benefits of individual differences (diversity).

Integrating equality and diversity into strategic planning and performance

Integrating equality and diversity is a key ingredient for organisational success. It helps to improve services to the government and people of New Zealand, and to attract and retain talented staff. The chief executive will show leadership in modelling and valuing equal employment opportunities across all organisational strategies, processes, systems, and plans and will ensure they are integrated in all aspects of the business, from strategic to operational. The chief executive will also lead and support all staff in valuing equality and diversity. The State Services Commissioner will promote, develop, and monitor equality and diversity policies and programmes for the Public Service, and will review chief executive-led progress in equality and diversity throughout our organisations.

What it will look like when the Public Service gets it right

When we integrate equality and diversity throughout the Public Service, we will be able to say that:

The Public Service

• is a great place to work, which recognises and values difference
• comprises people who are committed to service and who want to work in the Public Service
• provides world class services to the government of the day, and services that meet the needs of New Zealanders
• acknowledges responsibility to take the lead in demonstrating the importance of valuing equality and diversity in New Zealand workplaces
• is committed to valuing equality and diversity irrespective of the economic situation.

All Organisations

• attract skilled people with a commitment to service, for all levels of work
• enable employees to apply their diverse skills and experiences to their work
• make better decisions and develop more effective work practices because they have considered a more diverse range of ideas, cultural perspectives, and work styles
• better meet their business objectives, because they know our clients and are better equipped to meet their needs
• value equality and diversity as essential elements of growth and performance.

Staff Members

• bring benefits to the organisation through their diverse skills, perspectives and experiences
• perform to their highest potential
• influence how things get done, based on demonstrated skills and experiences
• balance life outside work with responsibilities at work
• value equality and diversity by understanding their differences
• can gain employment opportunities, progression, and benefits for reasons related to their recognised abilities
• believe that their organisations are fair, diverse and high-performing employers of choice.