Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Cabinet Office publication, Applicant guidance: Government Skills College of Experts, of 31 July 2026, for what reason Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is a priority research topic, and what are the specific EDI skills that the Cabinet Office is seeking to recruit experts on.

Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Social Mobility (EDI) is one of six research themes that form the Government Skills Priority Research Topics. These themes together form the strategic framework of long-term questions where external research and evidence can most effectively inform future public sector capability, curriculum design and delivery strategy.

The College of Experts Terms of Reference states that members are drawn from academic and practitioner expert communities, membership is voluntary and is not compensated. The College of Experts is not a decision-making or steering authority. Members provide insights to support the work of Government Skills.

Members are not expected to have specific skills in EDI or any other individual theme. Recruitment is currently based on members having a proven track record of research that aligns with one or more of the themes, and showing they can turn academic theory and evidence into government-ready advice.