Equalities officer
Law and legal

How to become an equalities officer

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• applying directly

University

You could do a degree in a relevant subject, like

• law
• psychology
• sociology
• community studies or youth studies
• human resources

Employers may accept a degree in any subject but a postgraduate qualification in disability studies, race and ethnic relations, or equality and diversity studies, may also help you.

University (Entry requirements)

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

College

You could get an introduction to this type of work from a relevant college course, like a Level 2 Certificate in Equality and Diversity.

College (Entry requirements)

You'll usually need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

Volunteering & Experience

You'll need practical experience of working in the community. You can get this through:

• involvement with equality and diversity issues in a student union or trade union
• volunteering with a local community group, tenants' association or charity
• working in a related career like housing, regeneration, social work or youth work

Direct application

You could apply directly for jobs if you have relevant work experience as well as knowledge and understanding of equal opportunities issues and legislation. Experience in human resources, youth and community work or social work may give you an advantage.

More info

Career tips You may need to qualify as a teacher first if you want to work as an equality and diversity officer in schools. Professional and industry bodies Some employers will prefer you to be a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. Further information You can find out more about working as an equalities officer from the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

What it takes

Skills & Knowledge

You'll need:

• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
• analytical thinking skills
• the ability to read English
• active listening skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• customer service skills
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restriction & Requirements

You'll need to:

• pass background checks

What you'll do

Day to day

In this role you could be:

• identifying equality issues, introducing new policies and reviewing existing practices
• working with employers to help them develop a diverse workforce
• supporting community-based projects and groups
• promoting equality initiatives and events, like International Women's Week
• making sure adverts and promotional materials don’t discriminate
• working with children from ethnic minority backgrounds in schools
• preparing and delivering training, presentations and workshops

Working environment

You could work in an office.

Career path and progression

Career path & progression

With experience, you could become a senior officer and work towards accreditation with the Institute of Equality and Diversity Professionals. You could also work as a consultant or move into general management.