Equality, diversity and inclusion

Diversity assessment framework (DAF)

The DAF is our set of guidelines to encourage engagement and progress against the objectives in our EDI strategy. It contains a set number of indicators. All parts of our organisation submit evidence and provide assurance of how these indicators have been met. This is centrally reviewed, leading to a score and a detailed feedback report, which helps us track and monitor progress over time.

Equality screening and impact assessment (ESIA)

Whenever we introduce a new policy or process, or develop a new programme, project or activity, we assess the potential impact on different groups of people. We consider if there is any potential for unjustified discrimination, or an opportunity to promote equality and greater inclusion, and if so, identify what could be done differently. This helps us to put EDI into our work from the start.

Equality monitoring

To build a detailed picture of who we work with, we have been collecting data from our UK-contracted staff since 2001/02. Many of our overseas offices also collect data about their staff. The data we collect in the UK includes age, disability, ethnicity/race, gender, religion/belief, sexual orientation and working pattern. We compare the results against national and local populations to see where under- or over-representation exists, and then take action to try to achieve a better balance. This helps us see whether we are reaching all sections of society. Find out more about our approach to equality monitoring in this animation.

British Council organises and offers a wide variety of initiatives promoting equality, diversity and inclusion. The EDI objectives outlined in British Council Armenia action plan for the period of 2018-2020 are: 

• Diversify our country audience profile through digital and face-to-face activities, programmes, events. 
• Capitalise our achievements in the inclusion of disabled people and provide larger opportunities for them to fulfill their potential through our programmes and employment opportunities.
• Ensure that our programmes are gender and conflict sensitive and reach out to rural, isolated communities. 
• Regularly provide the team with opportunities to develop their EDI competencies, including mandatory EDI trainings, conducting access audit, teambuilding activities, celebration of International days and hosting EDI Regional Meeting in Yerevan in June 2019. 

• Unlimited:Making the right moves

Unlimited: Making the Right Moves is an arts and disability programme arising from a common-sense idea that there are no limits for those who dream big, regardless of background or physical ability. The British Council in Armenia initiated the project in 2013 following the success of Candoco Dance Company and inspired by their experience in giving confidence to disabled people through dance and theatre. Within the project the first inclusive Theatre and Dance Company was established in Armenia, consisting of disabled and non-disabled actors. The group organises public performances and workshops, tours throughout Armenian regions and abroad, promotes inclusive arts to bring about changes in people’s mind-set and life.

• English Clubs 

English Clubs is an initiative that will develop young people’s skills so that they have access to stronger employment opportunities in the future. It also aims to increase understanding and acceptance of tolerance, mutuality, dialogue and equality among the wider community which will support broadening of horizons of young people and being open diverse views and opinions.

• #FiveFilms4Freedom

The British Council, in partnership with BFI Flare: London LGBTQ+ Film Festival, makes five LGBTQ+ themed short films available for the world to watch online for free, over an 11-day period each year. Through our global network in more than 100 countries, we encourage people to watch the films in solidarity with LGBTQ+ communities in places where freedom and equal rights are limited. We ask audiences to share the films using the hashtag #FiveFilms4Freedom in recognition of the fact that Love is a Human Right.

• Inclusive internship scheme 

In 2019, British Council Armenia launched an inclusive Internship scheme specifically focusing on increased engagement with people with disabilities. As part of the initiative we aim to hire interns with disabilities to see and experience cultural relations work in an international environment and to provide opportunities that allow them to grow and develop personally and professionally.

The British Council ensures equal opportunities to all candidates, including people with special needs. We can make arrangements to accommodate special circumstances or requirements to enable test takers to attend a test centre, to understand questions and to give their exam answers. You can find more information, and how to get support, here.

We want the British Council to be an inclusive place to work. We aim to create opportunities and reduce barriers for everyone, particularly under-represented groups. We are committed to making sure there is no unjustified discrimination in our processes for recruitment and selection, performance management and pay, and that promotion and retention is fairly granted across all our operations.

We are a Disability Confident employer. This means we welcome and want to attract, recruit and retain disabled people within our workforce, so we can benefit from their skills and talents.