The new strategy will continue to support this ongoing work and in addition will embed diversity deeper across all levels of the Civil Service, linking diversity to every aspect of Civil Service business. The Civil Service is committed to improving the delivery of public services for everyone in society and the strategy is launched in recognition that to do this we need the richest possible mix of talent and a workforce that is truly reflective of the public we serve.

In light of these aims, the new strategy will focus on:

• Culture change and behaviours - creating a fully inclusive culture and effectively measuring progress.
• Leadership and accountability - including continuing to hold Permanent Secretaries to account for their department's performance on diversity.
• Talent management - recruiting and progressing the most talented people from all different backgrounds.
• A diverse workforce at all levels - setting out our aspirations for representation in the longer term through service-wide targets and departmental targets that widen the focus beyond only the Senior Civil Service.

Launching the new strategy Sir Gus O'Donnell, Head of the Civil Service said: "I am delighted to announce the launch of Promoting equality, valuing diversity, a vital initiative for the future of the Civil Service. We have made significant progress in this field and our workforce is now more diverse than ever but we must not be complacent.

"I want the Civil Service to lead the way, among employers, in the way we value our people, invest in their development and create an inclusive culture. A diverse Civil Service which reflects the society we serve will enable us to deliver better public services.