Written question asked by Phyllis Starkey (Labour) on Monday, 17 January 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 25 January 2000. It was answered by Patricia Hewitt (Labour) on Tuesday, 25 January 2000 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what action has been taken since May 1997 by each of the research councils to improve participation, retention and progression in science of (a) women and (b) members of the ethnic minorities.

Answer: Dr. Starkey: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action has been taken since May 1997 by each of the research councils to improve participation, retention and progression in science of (a) women and (b) members of the ethnic minorities. [106052] Ms Hewitt: The Research Councils are equal opportunities employers and actively monitor both gender and ethnicity in recruitment, salaries and staff performance. They have implemented specific activities to support this policy including: training staff of recruitment panels; support for the Daphne Jackson Fellowship scheme for women returnees; and participation in the Research Council-Wellcome study to investigate why fewer women than men apply for research funds. The Councils are also considering setting up an Equal Opportunities management group to share good practice and expertise. In 1997 the Research Careers Concordat signatories set up the Research Councils' initiative to implement improved terms and conditions of award for grant holders, students and fellows taking maternity leave. All Councils make efforts to ensure that women are nominated for committees and public bodies and collectively sponsor the publication of the AWISE (Association for Women in Science and Engineering) magazine. Further detail is available on the specific activities of each Council in its Annual Report.

Secondary information