Increase diversity among the staff of the Department of Welfare
Description of the action and objectives
Green Deal action
Review skill requirements for Department of Welfare positions to remove obstacles for people of foreign origin. Actions to reach these goals:
- Ensure staff members of foreign origin have the opportunity to attend Icelandic language classes
- Increase the emphasis on hiring staff with language skills that are useful for positions involving direct contact with users
- Increase hiring of people of foreign origin into positions of responsibility and expertise
- Here you can find the Welfare Policy of Reykjavík City and the action plan
Implementation period
Planned completion in the second half of 2025
Status report on July 1, 2025
The action is mostly completed. A variety of Icelandic lessons are available to staff free of charge. All managers can also request Icelandic courses at their workplaces free of charge to the unit in question, focusing on work-related vocabulary. The Central Human Resources Service handles grant applications for workplaces. Human Resources Advisors are very conscious of this measure and regularly discuss all opportunities to hire staff of foreign origin for managerial and specialist positions. Statistics on the number of people of foreign origin in such positions cannot be easily generated from the department's recruitment system. A solution is being developed.
Older status reports
| Timeline | Progress description | |
| January 2024 | The action is mostly completed. A variety of Icelandic lessons are available to staff free of charge. All managers can also request Icelandic courses at their workplaces free of charge to the unit in question, focusing on work-related vocabulary. The Central Human Resources Service handles grant applications for workplaces. Human Resources Advisors are very conscious of this measure and regularly discuss all opportunities to hire staff of foreign origin for managerial and specialist positions. | |
| July 2023 |
Reykjavík City employees who speak languages other than Icelandic can learn Icelandic for free in various ways. Classes are held at Reykjavík City workplaces across the city. Specialized Icelandic classes can be arranged at the workplace upon request by staff or management. Employees have the option to attend classes during or outside of work hours, whichever is more convenient. The schools that provide Icelandic education for Reykjavík City employees include Mímir, Multikulti, Tin Can Factory, and *RETOR Fræðsla. The Department of Human Resources & Work Environments administers and organizes the classes. The international team and Reykjavík City's Centers regularly advertise for staff who speak languages other than Icelandic. Efforts will be made to define specific roles where proficiency in certain languages is necessary. This initiative is expected to be completed by 2025. Management recognizes the Welfare Policy's emphasis on increasing the hiring of people of foreign origin for responsible and specialized positions in the Department of Welfare. Statistics on hiring practices are monitored according to this Policy. They show that the percentage of staff of foreign origin in responsible and specialized positions has increased in recent years. Statistics from 2021-2023 will be compiled in the next status report. |
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| January 2023 | A variety of Icelandic lessons are available to Department of Welfare staff free of charge. In the fall of 2022, a class was conducted at 13 municipal functional units. All managers can also request Icelandic courses at their workplaces free of charge to the unit in question, focusing on work-related vocabulary. The Central Human Resources Service handles grant applications for workplaces. The number of those who have been hired is being compiled. | |
| July 2022 | A variety of Icelandic lessons are available to Department of Welfare staff free of charge. Courses are offered by language schools, with agreements made with Mímir, Multikulti, Tin Can Factory, and RETOR Education. Courses are also available at various municipal workplaces based on skill level. In the fall of 2022, courses will be held at 13 municipal functional units, and anyone can apply to the one that suits them best. All managers can also request Icelandic courses at their workplaces free of charge to the unit in question, focusing on work-related vocabulary. The Central Human Resources Service handles grant applications for workplaces. Human Resources Advisors are very conscious of this measure and regularly discuss all opportunities to hire staff of foreign origin for managerial and specialist positions. The number of those who have been hired is being compiled. |
Connection of action to Reykjavík City's policies:
- Reykjavík City Welfare Policy to 2030 (7.3.3-7.3.5)
Related actions
A City for People
- 1. For All of Us | The Green Deal Residents' well-being and the feeling of belonging in Reykjavík.
- 2. Let Dreams Come True | The Green Deal Children and adolescents let their dreams come true.
- 3. Culture and arts will be integrated into city life | Green Deal Everyone has equal opportunities to participate in and enjoy culture and arts.
- 4. Sports for all | Green Deal Most people regularly engage in sports or other physical activities.
- 5. Improved public health | Green Deal A health-promoting, sustainable, and diverse community.
- 6. Human rights, increased participation, and improved conversations with residents | Green Deal Residents have the opportunity to work with the City to improve their quality of life.