Ethnicity Equality and diversity in the workplace

The Equality Act 2010 makes it unlawful for an employer to discriminate against you because of your ethnicity. This includes any discrimination on the grounds of:

• colour
• nationality
• ethnic or national origins.

Under the Equality Act, it doesn't matter whether the discrimination is intentional. What matters is whether an employer's actions cause you to be treated less favourably because of your ethnicity. This could be during the recruitment process or while in employment . The Act protects all racial groups.

You can see more information about your rights and what to expect on the Gov.UK website. You will also find information and advice about what to do if you feel you have been unfairly treated.

Inclusive employers

The benefits of ethnically diverse workforces are increasingly recognised. A diverse workforce has more perspectives and better social cohesion. This can improve problem solving, innovation, access to global markets, and employee wellbeing. Many employers now try to reflect this in their recruitment and workplace practices.

So many people from all walks of life bring so many different experiences from all across the globe. It's not just necessarily ethnic minority, your background. There’s people from different countries bringing in, working from a different culture to informing new practices.

Zeeshan, BT graduate programme

Check company websites for equality and diversity policies. Some organisations have diversity networks or Employee Resource Groups, such as Microsoft's Embrace. There may also be professional development initiatives available for staff. It can also be useful to check whether a potential employer belongs to organisations such as Inclusive Employers.

Targeted support, schemes and vacancies

Many employers offer specific recruitment programmes for Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates. These organisations and opportunities may offer you:

• Development programmes and workshops, such as coaching, mentoring and internships.
• Advice and information through webinars, articles, videos.
• Support with job search and recruitment process.
• Links to inclusive employers, access to job opportunities.

Below are some examples of tailored support organisations and schemes. The OU is unable to endorse these organisations and schemes and this list is not exhaustive. We recommend you use these as a starting point. Continue your research by:

• searching company websites and social media
• using LinkedIn to connect with people in the company or sector
• looking at online reviews
• joining professional bodies.

As a registered student or recent alumni, you have access to the OU’s OpportunityHub. Find hundreds of vacancies from employers we work with on the 'opportunities' tab. Search for tailored support schemes, internships and graduate programmes using the keyword ‘diversity’.

The Open University Students Association also has a Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic Students Group that you can join.

Job vacancy sites

• Ethnic Job Site

  Helps recruitment agencies and employers to target the right candidates and address exclusion.

• Diversity Job Site: Employers List

  Works with employers to connect them to diverse candidates.

Equality and Diversity Programmes

• Windsor Fellowship

  Personal development and leadership programmes for people from diverse communities. 

• 10000 Interns Foundation

  Paid internship opportunities for underrepresented talent in partnership with multinational corporations, professional firms, ambitious start-ups, and public bodies.

Sector specific schemes

• Creative Access

  Careers support for people from under-represented communities in the creative industries.

• Association for Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers (AFBE-UK)

  Supports engineering students and professionals from Black and Minority Ethnic backgrounds.

• BAME in Games

  Dedicated to encouraging and supporting more diverse talent to work in the games industry. They offer a mentorship programme.

• Journalism Diversity Fund

  Awards bursaries to people from diverse backgrounds who need help in funding journalism training.

• No TRACE Film Production & Training initiative

  Supports and develops Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic careers in the advertising production industry.

Internships

• Transport for London (TfL)'s Stuart Ross Internship

  11-month internship in marketing and communications at TfL’s head office in London.

• Hargreaves Lansdown's Strive Internship

  Paid work experience for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic students in South West England.

• MI5’s Summer Intelligence Internship

  Paid internship for students from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic and disadvantaged backgrounds.

Support organisations in the nations

• Ethnic Minorities and Youth Support Team Wales
• Ethnic minority Welsh women achievement association
• Equality Commission for Northern Ireland
• New Communities Partnership (NCP) Ireland
• Skills Development Scotland: Guide to Engaging with BME Communities (PDF, 603 KB)

You may come across the acronym ‘BAME’ (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) on the Help Centre. We recognise the limitations of this term, and only use it to quote an organisation, be consistent with other public bodies, or identify relevant opportunities.