Are these normal questions for a job application?

[Teton4]

I've been applying for jobs recently as I'm considering a change, and this is the first time I've come across this particular question.

I do have a disabled child, but I don't require any adjustments to be made, so I'm unsure of the relevance in this context....

@Teton4 you named the company there. Just letting you know in case you don’t want that.

I think we’re from the same neck of the woods!

The Civil Service applications ask these type of questions as well. The CS hiring manager will never ever see the responses, so don't worry about answering them truthfully.

They don't use these questions to assess if you can do the job. They do it to assess if they're attracting diverse candidates.

As pps said, EDI forms should be separate, anonymised and afaik should have "prefer not to answer".
I filled them when they are right and never did me any harm as far as I know. And I am an immigrant. The data can do good when companies look at their positive action asctions.

However, I have seen couple where it was very much uncomfortable because they had no "prefer not to answer" and REALLY did not look to be separable from main application. I moved on

I would hope that these are purely for Equal Ops monitoring, and not part of the selection process. I don't know the legalities tbh, but I'd have thought they should be clearly labelled as being Equal Ops 🤔👍

OP those aren’t interview questions. They are online data gathering for equalities and the company wanting it to ensure they are being equal etc. Very normal.

Interviews are structured conversations between two people and are very different.

Just not answer ?

It’ll be for monitoring purposes, and there’s usually a “prefer not to answer” option.

I’m not sure how the question “What is your religion or strongly held belief” is about DEI

This shows where you are applying to work. Not sure if you know.
the company is super ethical, so I’m sure it’s for their monitoring, not to exclude you. I was asked similar questions on a university application - it
was a government requirement for measuring inclusivity

Yeah they've added gender identity, which isn't a protected characteristic under the Equality Act.but left out sex, which is. How depressingly predictable that they want to make sure they don't discriminate on the ground of self identified gender but have nothing to say about not discriminating on the grounds of sex

If I remember correctly that has a specific meaning in Northern Ireland. Recruitment has to capture (and store) the religion of the applicant.

One reason why you can't a have a one-size fits all recruitment process for the whole UK.

Because the protected characteristic under the Equality Act is “religion or belief”, the latter being a philosophical belief.

Do you smoke cigarettes? I'd put, 'No, just weed and occasional crack!' 😂

I once had someone turn up for an interview at a secure facility and the admin had to photocopy their ID/Passport etc. When they did so, a little bag of white drugs fell out of his passport.

DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) questions often include religion because it's a fundamental aspect of many people's identities and can significantly impact their experiences in the workplace. Recognizing and addressing religious diversity is crucial for creating a truly inclusive environment.

Here's why religious identity is relevant to DEI:
Protected characteristic:
In many regions, religion is a legally protected characteristic, meaning individuals cannot be discriminated against based on their religious beliefs.

Identity and belonging:
Religious beliefs and practices are deeply personal and can be central to a person's sense of self and community.

Workplace impact:
Religious observances (e.g., prayer times, dietary restrictions, holidays) can affect work schedules and workplace practices.

Potential for discrimination:
Individuals may face prejudice or exclusion due to their religious beliefs, and DEI efforts can help mitigate this.

Creating an inclusive environment:
Understanding and respecting religious diversity can foster a more welcoming and equitable workplace for everyone.

By including religion in DEI initiatives, organizations can:
Promote a sense of belonging:
When individuals feel their religious identities are respected, they are more likely to feel a sense of belonging and connection to the workplace.

Reduce discrimination:
Addressing religious diversity can help identify and address potential sources of bias and discrimination.

Improve employee well-being:
A workplace that supports religious diversity can contribute to the overall well-being and mental health of employees.

Enhance organizational culture:
By embracing religious diversity, organizations can cultivate a more inclusive and respectful organizational culture.

Ultimately, including religion in DEI efforts is not just about legal compliance, but also about creating a workplace where everyone can feel valued, respected, and able to bring their whole selves to work.

That's all very nice. But still no compulsion to answer.

<broken record>

You don't have to answer. (In fact you don't have to answer honestly 😎)

This is waaay too intrusive.

Overall I would not want to work for a company like this.

I’m surprised so many posters seem to find this ridiculous invasion of privacy acceptable.