LJMU does positive action

Positive Action are programmes and initiatives which LJMU and other organisations can take to address the under representation of communities in the workplace.

What is Positive Action?

Currently the provision of positive action is within the Equality Act 2010 (section 158), where a range of measures which can be lawfully taken by organisations to encourage and train people from minority groups are found (GOV.UK, 2020). Positive actions measures aim to ensure that minority groups can overcome institutional barriers, such as practices and situations which systematically disadvantage minority groups. Therefore, it aims to take specific steps to improve equality in an organisation.

To be allowed to conduct it an organisation needs to be able to show that positive action is an appropriate way to overcome inequality and the steps an organisation has taken were thought carefully.

Therefore, positive action is a reasonable action when:

• people who share a protected characteristics suffer a disadvantage connected to the characteristic
• people who share a protected characteristic have needs that are different from the needs of people who do not share it
• participation in an activity by people who share a protected characteristic is disproportionately low

Positive action may look like:

• a scheme, for example trainee scheme
• encouraging specific communities to apply for a role
• initiatives that promote that when applicants from specific backgrounds meet the minimum standards for a role, they are guaranteed an interview

LJMU / organisations when conducting positive action schemes or practices are required to support the need by providing evidence, such as data or qualitative/quantitative research.

For any enquiries about positive action’s role in recruitment, please visit the Government Equalities Office practical guide, and for any general Diversity and Inclusion enquiries, please get in touch via equality@ljmu.ac.uk.