Ethnic recruitment drive in public finance hailed a success

An
initiative to tackle the under-representation of ethnic minorities in the local
government finance sector has been hailed a success, with almost half the new
recruits coming from ethnic minorities.

The
‘Be the future of public finance’ graduate recruitment scheme, which was
jointly launched by 21 London boroughs in September 2003, has recruited 29
trainees – 40 per cent of whom are from ethnic minorities.

The
trainees are employed by the local boroughs on a four-year fixed-term contract,
and they will undertake a structured training programme leading to the Chartered
Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy Professional Accountancy
Qualification.

It
is the first time that London boroughs have come together to jointly recruit
finance trainees into their organisations.

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Rob
Whiteman, executive director for resources at Lewisham Borough Council, said:
"We set out to attract graduates to work in public finance departments
across London, with a specific focus on recruiting candidates from ethnic
minorities. We are very pleased to have met our objectives."

By Michael Millar