The British Royal Family’s annual financial report reveals that 8.4 per cent of its household staff belong to ethnic minorities. Buckingham Palace is working on improving this percentage, and taking it up to 10 per cent in a year’s time.
The Royal Family is aware that its own workforce has to reflect the communities that it serves, and therefore, has endeavoured to promote the diversity of Britain and embrace the same. However, it realises that it is not doing enough.
The Royal Household realises that in spite of trying to be an inclusive workplace, through relevant recruitment processes and trainings, it has not been able to achieve the expected results. However, it is now taking measures to improve the situation and statistics. Publishing diversity statistics is part of the measures aimed at achieving this. It also shows that the Royal Family wishes to bring about transparency and accountability as far as their efforts in this direction are concerned.
The Household will seek expert help in its endeavours to be more inclusive of those from ethnic minorities, people with disabilities and the LGBTQ+ communities.
According to media reports, till about the 1960s, foreigners and those of colour were not employed at the Palace. Also, the race and gender-equality laws have apparently not been applicable to the Queen ever since their introduction in the UK in the 1970s. However, the Household does seem to follow the Equality Act, which ensures that people are not discriminated against in the workplace.
