Diversity and equality

We are committed to working towards a more diverse organisation and to valuing and utilising the visible and non-visible individual differences that people bring.

This includes considering and working to ensure that there are no barriers implicit in our policies and procedures that prevent individuals from performing to the best of their ability, along with creating a positive and open environment in which to work.

We will build a culture that values ability, difference, openness, fairness and transparency. It will not discriminate on the grounds of race, colour, gender, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion, gender reassignment, pregnancy, age, sexual orientation, family status, physical or mental disability, trade union membership or any other irrelevant factor.

This helps to provide a work force that is representative of the society around us so that our work and the types of products and services we design and provide are relevant to the community and customers we serve.

All Met Office employees will:

• afford dignity, trust and respect to all;
• be aware of the effect of their behaviour on others and make reasonable and manageable demands;
• communicate honestly and openly, clearly stating what they mean and expect;
• provide honest feedback based on evidence and be open to challenge and constructive criticism;
• seek and be receptive to feedback and open to modifying their behaviour where appropriate;
• work together to create a positive environment; to enable us to perform to the best of our ability.

LGBT rainbow flag

We have a Women's Network and a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Network which proudly represented the Met Office at Exeter Pride in 2011.

In January 2012 we introduced a Diversity Declaration. This short online questionnaire can be completed anonymously and all staff were encouraged to complete it.

The information can be used to create anonymous information about the Met Office from time to time.

Diversity and Equality for more information.

Employee engagement

Every year we carry out an Employee Attitude Survey (EAS).

Staff can openly and confidentially answer a range of questions on topics ranging from job-satisfaction to how well mangers react to bullying and harassment.

From 2010/11 we have taken part in a Civil Service EAS which allowed comparison between different organisations. 

This year 78 percent of staff responded. The full results of the 2012 survey are available below.

EAS 2012 Results (PDF, 916 kB)  

To find out more about the Civil Service People' Survey and view results for the service as a whole, please visit the Civil Service website

A key element of the people survey is the 'Employee Engagement Index'. This is a measure of how engaged employees are with their work and is calculated from responses to five of the key questions in the survey:

• I am proud when I tell others I am part of the Met Office
• I would recommend the Met Office as a great place to work
• I feel a strong personal attachment to the Met Office
• The Met Office inspires me to do the best in my job
• The Met Office motivates me to help it achieve its objectives.

There is clear evidence of a link between highly-engaged staff, high levels of health and well-being and organisational performance and customer satisfaction, so this is a crucial indicator. Our Employee Engagement Index was calculated at 66 percent in 2012. This is eight percent higher than the Civil Service average.

New Organisational Culture Questions 2012 (PDF, 52 kB)

Wellbeing Results 2012 (PDF, 35 kB)

Staff welfare

Sometimes pressures in and outside of work can impact adversely on our health.

We have established an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).

Our EAP is provide by Right Corecare; a professional counselling organisation which offers services ranging from a 24/7 phoneline to face-to-face counselling sessions.

Employees' dependants can also use the helpline.

We also have a number of Harassment Contact Officers who staff can turn to in the event of harassment.

Health and safety

We are committed to the provision of a safe and healthy working environment.

Our proactive approach includes:

• A range of Health and Safety policies and procedures that help the office, our managers and staff to meet legislative standards and best practice.
• Regular consultation with staff, union representatives and senior management.
• A rolling three-year Health and Safety inspection programme across all locations where our staff work.
• Promoting awareness through training programmes, notice boards, our intranet and through national and international campaigns, e.g. European Week for Health and Safety.
• Well-established welfare systems for staff and the support of flexible working where possible.

Positive about disabled people

The Met Office is proud to be awarded Two Tick positive about disabled people status.

This recognises our commitment to good practice in employing disabled people.

This award aims to make sure that disable people feel confident that their employer will be positive about their abilities.

Supporting our staff in further studies

We are committed to helping our staff develop by learning new skills relevant to their job aspirations.

Staff can take in-house courses, online courses and can also apply for funding for university courses.

Staff can undertake courses such as foreign language training.

Learning@Work Weeks offer staff the opportunity to learn about various subjects, from work-based to extra-curricular interests.

When staff are supported in their studies, the benefits to us are clear.

Investors In People

We continue to demonstrate the necessary standards to retain the Investors in People (IIP) accreditation.

In 2010/11 we chose to be assessed against the 'social responsibility' element of the standard to ensure we're progressing the right way.

We were pleased to receive a positive report.

Employees of the future

We offer week long work experience opportunities for 14-17 year olds and summer placements for undergraduate students. Students get a taste of Met Office life

The summer placements are for 12 weeks, working in a variety of teams at our HQ.

In summer 2011 around 30 students worked at Exeter.

Lucy Kimberley, Student with Property Management:

"I initiated and ran an internal campaign called Question, Avoid, Reduce which was aimed at reducing the Met Office's business flights and encouraging more sustainable modes of transport. The Met Office is a great place to work, with a modern office with excellent facilities."

Placement opportunities can be found on our website in September and October, for the following year. Contact HR Enquiries for further details.

We continue to be the main sponsor at Exeter's REACH academy (Raising Excellence and Achievement) at Exeter College. 

This is a program for academically gifted students which benefits both the students and ourselves.

For the students, participation in projects builds their confidence, presentation skills and ability to work as a team.

Our staff who take part find it very rewarding to have the opportunity to inspire young people in maths and science.

Salary sacrifice options

Childcare vouchers are an option

Salary sacrifice is when an employee gives up part of their salary in return for a non-cash benefit.

Staff only have to pay tax and National Insurance contributions on what's left, resulting in significant savings.

Our Travel page gives details of the Cyclescheme.

We also have a Childcare Voucher Scheme, a government initiative designed to help parents/legal guardians pay for childcare.

Staff can convert part of their salary into vouchers before the usual tax and National Insurance vouchers.

E-vouchers are also available and staff can go online and make direct payments into the carer's bank account.

Childcare vouchers can be used to pay any Ofsted (or equivalent) registered carer.

This can include nurseries, childminders, nannies, play schemes, out-of-hours school clubs and holiday camps, as well as the boarding element of most schools.

Healthy staff are happy staff!

We recognise that achieving balance between home and work life is important.

We have a sports and social club and the Activ Health Club at our Exeter HQ. The Activ Health Club has a superb range of fitness machines and weights. A wide range of activities and classes are on offer.

Sustainability Summary 2010/11 (PDF, 4 MB)