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Ministry of Defence

Answer

Mr. Wilkinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many officially designated diversity and equality officers have been appointed in each of the three armed forces to date; whether he plans to appoint further such officers in financial year 2004-05; and what estimate he has made of the total (a) pay, (b) allowances and (c) supporting staff for these officers in 2005-06. [218019] Mr. Caplin: The number of officially designated diversity and equality officers appointed in each of the armed forces to date is as follows: Diversity and equality officers _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Service Number Officer RN/RM 1 Commander 2 Lieutenant Commander Army 1 Colonel 1 Lieutenant Colonel 2 Major RAF 1 Warrant Officer _________________________________________________________________________________________________. There are no plans to appoint any further diversity and equality officers in financial year 2004-05. The estimated cost of the total pay and allowances for designated diversity and equality officers in 2005-06, based on general capitation rates for the relevant rank or grade, is £901,894. In the case of the Army the E1 civil servant provides dedicated support to the Equal Opportunities team. It is not possible to provide the exact cost for the RN and RAF of supporting staff as they provide services as part of a wider range of duties. In addition, every unit of the armed forces has an Equal Opportunities Adviser (EOA) who provides support to personnel by giving advice and guidance on equality and diversity issues. EOAs are not dedicated diversity and equality officers, the duties involved are performed as part of the individual's normal role. The total number of EOAs in the armed forces is not held centrally. EOAs do not receive any special allowances for carrying out their duties.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

218019; 431 c963-4W;431 c959-60W

Session

2004-05

Subjects

Armed forces Equality Pay Public appointments

Contains statistics

Yes

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk