DHR Unveils FY23 EEO/AA Report, Highlighting Transparency and Diversity in Executive Branch Agencies

DOVER, Del. — With state workforce employment reflecting the population of Delaware, the Delaware Department of Human Resources Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion issues its annual Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) Report as part of the state’s ongoing commitment to transparency and fostering diversity within Executive Branch Agencies.

Since the enactment of Governor Carney’s Non-Discrimination Policy through Executive Order No. 30 in 2019, each Executive Branch Agency has been mandated to develop and implement an EEO/AA Plan. These plans are filed annually with the Governor’s office to promote inclusion, support diversity, and enhance accountability.

“As Delaware’s largest employer, sustaining a diverse, inclusive and equitable workforce is a priority that requires action and commitment,” said DHR Secretary Claire DeMatteis. “Governor Carney’s Administration has remained focused on embedding these principles at every level in every state agency as we recruit, promote and retain talented, qualified state employees.”

Delaware’s workforce, as indicated by the Fiscal Year 2023 EEO/AA Report, closely aligns with the state’s population. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, minorities constitute 40% of Delaware’s total population, while females make up 51%. Similarly, within Executive Branch Agencies, minorities account for 39%, and females are 52% of the state’s workforce.

This annual review broadly examines the state’s workforce by sex, gender, and job category, and plays a crucial role in advancing diversity, while gauging the effectiveness of recruitment and retention efforts focused on diversity.

The report encompasses the Executive Branch, specifying exempt, merit, and union employees across all state agencies, including Agriculture, Correction, Education, Finance, Health and Social Services, Housing Authority, Human Resources, Labor, Management and Budget, National Guard, Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Safety and Homeland Security, State Police, Services for Children, Youth and Their Families, Information Technology, and Transportation.

Job roles are categorized based on Federal EEO-4 Guidelines, spanning Officials and Administrators, Professionals, Technicians, Protective Services, Office & Clerical, Paraprofessionals, Skilled Craft, and Service Maintenance.

Overall, the EEO/AA Report revealed the following key insights:

  • On the whole, in FY23 Executive Branch employment levels increased in comparison to FY22, with approximately 12,560 Executive Branch employees across all agencies in FY23 versus 12,485 employees in FY22 for a (0.60%) change.
  • In FY23 minorities (male/female combined) represented 4,838 (38.52%) of the State’s 12,560 employee workforce, a 0.76% increase as compared to FY22.
  • At 6,543, females represent (52.09%) of the State’s workforce, the same percentage rate as in FY22.
  • Minority females comprise 2,928 or (44.75%) of the female workforce, and (23.31%) of the total workforce.
  • At 6,017 Males represent (47.91%) of the State’s workforce, the same percentage rate as in FY22.
  • Minority males comprise 1,910 or (31.74%) of the male workforce, and (15.21%) of the total workforce.
  • Employees voluntarily identifying as having a disability included 224 females, and 230 males, totaling 454 employees.

“By closely aligning our workforce with the state’s population demographics, we have successfully created a more representative and inclusive environment. The report’s findings highlight our commitment to advancing diversity and evaluating the effectiveness of our recruitment and retention efforts,” said Richard M. Potter, Jr, Chief Diversity Officer.

The Department of Human Resources encourages stakeholders, citizens, and organizations to explore the EEO/AA Report and engage in an ongoing dialogue about building a more diverse and transparent future.

To view the report, visit the Department of Human Resources website.

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State of Delaware Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Summit Promotes Inclusive Excellence

DOVER, Del. — With more than 350 state employees representing 20 state agencies and all three branches of government, the State of Delaware renewed its commitment to sustaining a diverse, inclusive workforce during the 2023 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Summit. With the theme “Creating a Culture of Inclusive Excellence,” this year’s summit brought together a diverse group of state employees, agency division leaders, industry professionals, civil rights experts, and thought leaders to share insights, best practices, and success stories aimed at embracing diversity and creating an inclusive culture.

The summit featured thought-provoking keynote speeches and interactive workshops that equipped attendees with the knowledge and tools needed to drive positive change and maximize their organizations’ potential. Dr. Janice Bell Underwood, who serves as the Biden Administration’s Chief Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility Officer, delivered a powerful keynote address focused on “Inclusive Excellence in Community, Business, and State Government.” She highlighted how federal agencies and other states are creating a sustainable culture for not only a diverse workforce, but also one focused on accessibility for all employees and a work environment that treats employees fairly regardless of race, gender, sexual preference or age.

Governor Carney, a longtime advocate for diversity and inclusion, focused his remarks on how the state government workforce reflects the population of our state, after years of sustained efforts. He also signed a proclamation declaring October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month, reinforcing the state’s commitment to creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities throughout state government.

“You can’t just talk about being ‘for diversity.’ You have to show it by building a cabinet that reflects the population of our state, which I am proud to say, we did,” Governor Carney said. “The population of our state is about 38% people of color, and our state workforce is about 38% people of color. Women make up about 52% of our state’s population, and women make up 52% of our state workforce. In fact, for the first time in the history of our state, there are more women than men in leadership positions at state agencies as cabinet secretaries, division directors and other leadership positions.”

While acknowledging there is more work to do, Governor Carney also noted that for the first time in the state’s history, more than 40% of state legislators and state court judges are women.

Claire DeMatteis, Secretary of the Department of Human Resources, highlighted how employees at the grassroots level at state agencies are initiating unconscious bias and other trainings to engage employees. “At the Department of Correction, we empowered officers to turn their skepticism and distrust into action. They established DOC4Inclusion and got to work. Over the past four years they have made policies, procedures, and everyday work functions more equitable, diverse and inclusive. I have witnessed first-hand how our fellow state employees turn the words ‘diversity, equity and inclusion’ into action.”

Richard Potter, Delaware’s Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer, who led the team that organized the summit, reflected on how the state is expanding its outreach to employees who represent many different ethnic, racial, religious, sexual orientations and disability backgrounds. “In a world that is increasingly diverse and interconnected, it is imperative that we create an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents,” said Potter. “The State of Delaware is committed to leading the charge in driving meaningful change and ensuring that diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the forefront of our collective consciousness.”

Attendees participated in a range of engaging workshops, including:

  • Consciously Overcoming Unconscious Bias
  • Understanding Identities
  • Supporting Disability Inclusion: Advocate, Ally, and Activist
  • (Almost) Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Disabilities
  • Americans with Disabilities Act Past, Present, Future

These workshops allowed participants to delve deeper into the various aspects of diversity, equity, and inclusion, providing practical insights and tools to implement positive change within their agencies.

For further information on the 2023 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Summit, visit https://dhr.delaware.gov/events/diversity-summit-2023/index.shtml.

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DVR and SRC Host Annual Recognition Awards

THE DELAWARE DIVISION OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION AND
THE STATE REHABILITATION COUNCIL RECOGNIZES
THE VALUE OF WORKPLACE INCLUSION AT ITS ANNUAL RECOGNITION AWARDS LUNCHEON

Wilmington, DE, December 6, 2018 — The Delaware Department of Labor’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and the State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) will celebrate workplace inclusion by honoring the value and contribution of employees with disabilities and employers who hire them.

“Each year we are proud to honor businesses in our state that have created workplaces that are inclusive of employees from diverse backgrounds as well as those with disabilities,” said DVR Director Andrea Guest. “We also recognize employees with disabilities who have persevered and overcome barriers to achieve success in the workplace.”

Workplace inclusion is fostering a culture of diversity that includes hiring people with disabilities. Employers who create a culture of inclusion benefit from increased creativity and build diverse businesses that are prepared to face today’s challenges.

WHAT
2018 Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and State Rehabilitation Council
Annual Workplace Inclusion Recognition Awards Luncheon

WHEN
Monday, December 10th
11:45 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

WHERE
Dover Downs Hotel – Ballroom A
Dover, Delaware 19903

The mission of the Delaware Department of Labor Division of Vocational Rehabilitation is to provide individualized services to employers and people with disabilities, developing career pathways that link qualified employees to jobs, resulting in greater independence and a more inclusive workplace. The State Rehabilitation Council is a consumer driven, Governor-appointed organization whose mission is to provide support and advice to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.

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Governor Carney Announces Appointment of Chief Diversity Officer

Keith Hunt, who brings strategic human resources experience, starts December 18

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Friday announced the appointment of Keith Hunt to serve as the State of Delaware’s first Chief Diversity Officer. Hunt will lead the state’s efforts to define and cultivate equity, diversity, and inclusion throughout state government.

Hunt, who starts December 18, will report to the Department of Human Resources Acting Secretary, Saundra Ross Johnson, and manage the work of the Department’s Division of Diversity and Inclusion.

“I remain committed to creating a work environment that is inclusive, diverse, and representative of all Delawareans,” said Governor Carney. “The Chief Diversity Officer will play a vital role in transforming the state’s diversity and inclusion strategies, and continue our work to ensure our state government values its employees and is representative of all of the people we serve.”

The Department of Human Resources and the Division of Diversity and Inclusion were created by House Bill 4.

Governor Carney signed the legislation in July 2017 to help confront issues important to state employees and improve the delivery of human resources services. Acting Secretary Johnson led a national search to select a Chief Diversity Officer candidate with a deep understanding of the complexity and multiple dimensions of diversity, inclusion, and equity.

“I am confident that with Keith’s extensive Human Resources experience and proven success in the private and public sectors, he will work collaboratively with employees and community stakeholders to create a different and finer work culture for state government,” said Acting Secretary Johnson.

Hunt served in several strategic human resources leadership roles. Since 2004, he served as Managing Director of Human Capital Solutions, Inc., a human resources and organizational development consulting agency that serves Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, government, and nonprofit organizations. Previously, he led employee relations as an Assistant Vice President at CIGNA, Inc.

During his career, Hunt has helped translate business vision and strategy into organizational capabilities for success with a focus on business process improvement, people policy development, change management, people and team development, diversity and inclusion, and human resources talent management systems.

“I am looking forward to joining the Human Resources team as we work in partnership with all the state leadership, employees, and key stakeholders in bringing about a diverse and inclusive workplace environment,” said Hunt.

The appointment of a Chief Diversity Officer builds on Governor Carney’s efforts to confront discrimination. In April, as a result of Governor Carney’s Executive Order Six, a uniform anti-discrimination policy across state government was established to allow state agencies to consistently respond to reports of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in the workplace.

The Action Plan for Delaware, created by Governor Carney’s transition team, recommended the establishment separate Office of Human Resources, headed by Cabinet-level official, to give state employees a greater voice in decisions that affect them, to encourage diversity within personnel and of opportunity in the state workplace, and to ensure uniform enforcement of policies.

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State Gets Final Federal Approval of Transition Plan for Compliance with Home and Community-Based Services Rule

NEW CASTLE (Oct. 19, 2017) – The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has given final approval to Delaware’s Statewide Transition Plan for complying with the federal Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) final rule. The rule defines home and community-based settings for participants in Medicaid HCBS programs.

The Statewide Transition Plan, submitted by DHSS’ Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance, describes the activities Delaware has undertaken to achieve and maintain full compliance with all federal requirements. CMS required all states to develop a Statewide Transition Plan to outline how they would come into compliance with the final rule by March 17, 2019.

“We are grateful to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for this final approval so early in the overall process,” Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Dr. Kara Odom Walker said. “Community inclusion is fundamental to our mission at DHSS and to the people with disabilities whom we serve. Now, thanks to the work we’ve done with stakeholders across the state, we have the road map to ensure that all Delawareans with disabilities have full access to community inclusion through a strong system of home and community-based services. We look forward to continue working with individuals, families, providers and other community partners so we can strengthen the plan further.”

Transition plan documents are available at: http://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dmma/hcbs_trans_plan.html

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Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.