Migrant representation and inclusion in the public sector is crucial to ensure that public policies and services reflect diverse communities that live, work and study in the UK, and respond effectively to diverse needs.

Migrant role models can help increase the visibility of migrant communities in public life and encourage young talented people of migrant backgrounds to consider a career in the public sector.

First-generation migrants in the UK already work in many public sector roles, often as frontline staff in the NHS and social care. Despite contributing significantly to delivering such services, the proportion of migrants in leadership positions remains relatively low. 

While the representation of people from ethnic minority backgrounds in political and public positions in the UK has increased over the years, minority groups are still significantly under-represented in public sector positions compared with population in general. The NHS and social care sectors are an exception, with minority staff over-represented in many roles.

People of ethnic minority backgrounds are less represented in leadership roles with higher pay grades in public sector areas such as in government, civil service, local authorities or armed forces.

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