We know that the gap between the employment rate of all working age people in Scotland and those from minority ethnic groups currently stands at 11% (figures are not available at local authority level). Edinburgh’s changing demographics (over 30% of children in local authority education are from ethnic minority backgrounds) would suggest that the gap is likely to be wider in the City. Furthermore, people from ethnic minorities are more likely to live in poverty, more likely to be unemployed and underemployed and can face racism in the workplace.

We know from our research that people from ethnic minorities who engage with support to get into work can be less likely to sustain their employment than their white counterparts; and some report that employers are ‘unready’ to receive them.

The Development Officer will work with employers to better understand their needs, deliver a training programme based on supporting employer requirements and produce materials to support culturally aware recruitment and HR practices.

Working alongside our Joined Up for Business and Whole Family Equality Project teams, the project will reach a better understanding of what makes sustainable, good quality employment for ethnic minority clients and will produce materials to help employers diversify their workforces and support their employees. The project will impact on employability across Edinburgh and aim to reduce the racial employment gap. Learning will be supported and tested through the lens of lived experience by our Skilled Voices Panel.

The Development Officer role is exciting and varied: including engagement with employers, industry experts, voluntary sector, and supporting engagement panels such as Skilled Voices Panel and UK Immigration Policy Influencing Panel.