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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)

£24,000 Starter

to

£46,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 40

You could work

evenings / weekends attending events or appointments

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

University

You could do a degree in a subject, like:

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

Postgraduate courses

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

Courses include:

  • disability studies
  • race and ethnic relations
  • equality and diversity studies
  • human resource management

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

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an apprenticeship with an organisation, such as:

  • HR support Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • People Professional Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship

These take between 1 and 2 years to complete and combine on-the-job training with study.

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
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

Volunteering

You'll find it useful to get some work experience in this area, for instance 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 legal or welfare rights advice centre

Direct Application

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

Experience in human resources, advice services, youth and community work or social work could be useful when looking for jobs.

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

Some employers will prefer you to be a member of a professional body, such as the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

Further information

You can learn more about working in equalities, diversity and inclusion from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and 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
  • knowledge of human resources and employment law
  • the ability to work well with others
  • analytical thinking skills
  • active listening skills
  • customer service skills
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

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

As an equalities officer, you could:

  • identify equality issues
  • introduce new policies and review existing practices
  • raise awareness of equality in organisations, schools and the community
  • give advice and guidance to companies and staff on equal rights
  • promote equality and inclusion through events and campaigns, such as equal pay
  • make sure job adverts and promotions do not discriminate
  • prepare and deliver training, workshops and presentations
  • work closely with all departments to help them improve diversity and inclusion in the workforce

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 equalities officer or manager.

You could also work as a consultant, move into human resources or become an equalities and diversity trainer.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

HR Support Apprentice

  • Wage: £16,640 a year Annually
  • Location: Willow Drive, Annesley, Nottingham

HR Apprentice

  • Wage: £18,000 a year Annually
  • Location: BEECHWOOD COURT, SPRINGWOOD WAY, TYTHERINGTON BUSINESS PARK
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Equality & Diversity - Level 2

  • Provider: West London College
  • Start date: Flexible
  • Location: Not known

Equality & Diversity Level 2

  • Provider: SHIPLEY COLLEGE
  • Start date: Flexible
  • Location: Not known
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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