What is DEBI at DoBS?
Diversity, Equity, Belonging, and Inclusion (DEBI) are interrelated yet distinct concepts that are critical in promoting equitable and inclusive programs and services and attracting and retaining a diverse workforce.
- Diversity means difference in identities which experience systemic barriers or discrimination, such as race, ethnicity, class, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age or disability. It can also include differences in thought and experience.
- Equity is ensuring everyone has access to the same opportunities. It is the impact; the process barriers are removed so that everyone has the tools and opportunity they need to succeed.
- Belonging means experiencing appreciation, validation, acceptance, and fair treatment within an environment.
- Inclusion is welcoming and valuing people with different identities into the agency as well as those being reached by the agency's work. Inclusion involves considering the experience of individuals who are in the minority and identifying barriers they may encounter.
DoBS DEBI Workgroup
The department has created a workgroup of volunteers with various roles and from various department program areas to take an intentional look at the impacts of DEBI in our work and developing concrete objectives to improve DEBI in the department.
DoBS Recruitment
DoBS is proud of its commitment to building a diverse and supported workforce. We encourage anyone interested in employment opportunities with the department to visit our DoBS Careers page.
The department is supported by the Commonwealth Office of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO). Established in January 2020, the EEO Office is responsible for investigations of EEO complaints, EEO appeals, and ADA accommodation requests, among other things.
The Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities is proud to be an equal opportunity employer supporting workplace diversity.
DoBS Procurement Supports Small, Diverse and Veteran-Owned Businesses
Are you a small business and interested in contracting with the commonwealth? The Department of General Services' Bureau of Diversity, Inclusion and Small Business Opportunity assists small, diverse, and veteran-owned businesses in competing for and acquiring commonwealth contracting opportunities.
Learn about eligibility requirements, registering as a vendor, and the certification process in the Small Business, Small Diverse Business & Veteran Business Enterprise Application Guide.
Language Access and Other Resources Available at DoBS
The department employs a variety of resources to provide services to people who are deaf or hard of hearing or individuals with limited English proficiency.
Telephone Relay Services – 1 (800) PA-BANKS (722-2657)
Persons with a hearing or speech disability may contact the department using a telecommunications relay service, which is available free of charge by dialing 711. Department staff also have access to this relay service to communicate with persons who use a text telephone (TTY) or similar device to communicate over the phone.
Some Publications are available in Spanish
They can be found on the Publications and Reports page.
Language Services Contracting
The department uses statewide contracts to provide interpretation and translation services as needed.
Community Organizations and Professional Group Support
DoBS welcomes and actively seeks partnership opportunities with community organizations for education and outreach opportunities. To schedule an outreach event, please email informed@pa.gov or call 1 (800) PA-BANKS (722-2657).
Learn about our Investor Education and Consumer Outreach Programs.
Commonwealth Accessibility Policy
The commonwealth's Accessibility Policy establishes guidance for state agencies in the development of accessible websites and other information technologies for users requiring assistive technologies.
Governor Shapiro’s Commissions
Whenever appropriate, DoBS will work with Governor Shapiro’s Commissions on:
- African American Affairs
- Asian American & Pacific Islander Affairs
- Latino Affairs
- LGBTQ Affairs
- Next Generation Engagement
- Women
Commonwealth Workforce Statistics
Information on DoBS and other commonwealth agencies as it relates to employment trends, equal employment opportunity elements, employee mobility patterns and other employment characteristics is available online. Commonwealth Workforce Statistics.