Female representation at the most senior grades of the NICS workforce increased from 34.9% in 2015, to 44.7% in 2025
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Work, pay and benefits
New official statistics published today by NISRA present an overview of diversity and equality in the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) at 1 January 2025 and how it has changed over time. The report includes the composition of staff by sex, community background, age, disability and ethnicity.
Key findings:
- Since 2015, females make up approximately half of the NICS workforce (2015, 50.7%; 2025, 50.0%).
- Female representation at the most senior grades increased since 2015, from 34.9% to 44.7%.
- Catholic representation increased slowly but steadily since 2015. In 2025, 50.5% of NICS staff are Catholic.
- In 2025 the median age of staff is 47 years old compared to 45 in 2015.
- The NICS continues to have a lower percentage of staff who declared a disability (NICS,6.4%; economically active population, 10.2%) or who are from minority ethnic groups (NICS,0.7% ; economically active population, 3.0%) compared to the economically active population.
About the publication
This report provides an overview of diversity and equality in the NICS. It includes an analysis of composition and how that composition has changed over time. Where appropriate, comparisons are made with the wider labour market and the Civil Service in Great Britain (GB).
Further Information
View the full statistical release and related tables: Equality Statistics for the Northern Ireland Civil Service 2025