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Equalities officer

Alternative titles for this job include Equality and diversity officer, equal opportunities officer, equality, diversity and human rights officer

Equalities officers make sure people are treated equally in an organisation by promoting positive practices and attitudes.

Average salary (a year)

£22,000 Starter

to

£45,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

38 to 40 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends attending events or appointments

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Equalities officer

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • a college course
  • applying directly

University

You could do a degree in a relevant subject, such as:

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

Postgraduate courses

You could also do a postgraduate qualification if you want to learn more about equality and diversity.

You could study something like:

  • disability studies
  • race and ethnic relations
  • equality and diversity studies

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

More Information

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.

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

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could do an advanced apprenticeship in HR support to help you get started in this role.

This typically takes about 18 months to complete and is a mix of learning in the workplace and the classroom.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

Volunteering

You will find it useful if you have experience of working in the community.

You can get this by volunteering:

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

Direct Application

You could apply directly for jobs if you have work experience and knowledge of equal opportunities issues and laws.

You might find it helpful to have experience in human resources, youth and community work or social work when you are looking for jobs.

More Information

Career tips

If you want to work as an equality and diversity officer in a school, you may first need to qualify as a teacher.

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

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and 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
  • active listening skills
  • knowledge of human resources and employment law
  • customer service skills
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In this role you could:

  • identify equality issues
  • introduce new policies and review existing practices
  • work with employers to help them develop a diverse workforce
  • raise awareness in organisations, schools and the community
  • support community projects and groups
  • promote equality law and events, like International Women's Week
  • make sure adverts and promotions do not discriminate
  • prepare and deliver training, presentations and workshops

Working environment

You could work in an office.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and 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, move into human resources or become a manager.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

HR and Recruitment Apprentice

  • Wage: £13,312 a year Annually
  • Location: BRIT HOUSE, HIGH STREET EAST, SCUNTHORPE

HR Support Apprentice

  • Wage: £12,480 a year Annually
  • Location: Compton, Wolverhampton
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Award in Equality and Diversity (LF)

  • Provider: SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: Tamworth

L2 Certificate in Equality And Diversity (NCFE)

  • Provider: SOUTH THAMES COLLEGES GROUP
  • Start date: 16 September 2025
  • Location: LONDON
Find courses near you

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