Diversity and Inclusion

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Birmingham City Council with Shelforce

Where individuals with a complex diverse range of disabilities and challenges can succeed

With 75% of our workforce having a mental or physical disability, we have created an environment where individuals with a complex diverse range of needs can thrive in employment and succeed in a competitive marketplace. We have equipped them with the skills and self-belief to achieve their potential which has not only resulted in continuous growth for them but also the company, as we posted a record turnover in April. We also received The King’s Award for Enterprise in Promoting Opportunity (through social mobility), which is a powerful testament to our dedication to developing a truly inclusive and diverse workforce.

Cheshire West & Chester Council

Be you campaign

Despite a proud record of inclusion, we were conscious that diversity disclosure and monitoring could further improve across the organisation. With that in mind, we launched Be You - a campaign designed empower under-represented groups to genuinely be their authentic selves at work. This has led to significant progress of our new Inclusion Action Plan, an extremely successful Council-wide online event, and overwhelmingly positive feedback from our staff. It has also supported us to far better understand our workforce so that we can support them more effectively in the future.

Cornwall Council

Leading the way on equality, diversity and inclusion

Over recent years Cornwall Council has taken steps to develop a diverse and inclusive culture that permeates the organisation and its workforce and, as a place leader, that commitment extends to the whole of Cornwall…and during 2023 those steps became giant strides. In March 2023, the Council welcomed the LGA to undertake an Equality Peer Challenge of the organisation. The Peer Team recognised the Council’s considerable ambition in respect of equality, diversity and inclusion, with the Council having “a stronger commitment and structural foundations than many other local authorities”...which the Leader and Chief Executive continue to champion from the front.

Derby City Council

Derby health inequalities partnership

The Derby Health Inequalities Partnership (DHIP) leads and organises activity across communities and partners (such as the NHS) to reduce health inequalities in Derby. Health inequalities are the unfair and avoidable differences in health across the population, and between different groups within society. These include how long people are likely to live, the health conditions they may have and the care that is available to them. The partnership was established in 2021 by Derby City Council and Community Action Derby as a joint project in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, which highlighted the already significant inequalities in health and wellbeing.

Hull City Council

Refugee and Asylum Seeker Team (RAST) community integration for unaccompanied asylum seeker children and young people

An increase of unaccompanied asylum seeker (UAS) children in Hull has resulted in Hull City Council (HCC) creating a dedicated team to support and care for UAS young people. The Refugee and Asylum Seeker Team (RAST) work with UAS to foster diversity and facilitate inclusion in the local community. RAST is an outstanding model of support for UAS children and UAS care leavers, recognised by other local authorities who work with us to replicate this model of inclusivity. Relationships with refugee charities; religious leaders; places of worship; immigration solicitors and the Home Office, help RAST integrate UAS in the community.

Liverpool City Region CA

Race equality programme

LCRCA is leading the fight for racial justice and equality across the Liverpool City Region. Through the creation of a £2.3m Race Equality Hub and Mayor Rotheram’s broader Race Equality Programme, the Combined Authority is challenging its own practices and embracing its civic leadership role, working hand-in-hand with local communities to create change. Its work has raised the profile of racial equality across LCR and resulted in the adoption of a range of progressive and inclusive practices both within the organisation and beyond. Significantly, its work has acted as the catalyst for the development of action on wider equalities’ agendas.

Medway Council

Trauma informed schools programme

Medway Council Partnership Commissiong team is nominating its Trauma Informed Schools (TIS) programme for recognition of its strong performance during 2023 implementing an inclusive culture through trauma awareness and practice in our education settings. Our Medway Education Providers are being supported by our partner KCA to be Trauma-Informed in how they work – strategically, culturally, and operational; on a whole-school and individual pupil basis.

Tower Hamlets LBC

Creating diverse and inclusive schools in Tower Hamlets

London Borough of Tower Hamlets is working with schools to lead the way towards becoming a diverse and inclusive organisation that is open to listen, learn and embody authentic allyship by empowering and enabling their BAME governors and educators, and diversifying the curriculum. The aim is to create a school culture where children are supported to become anti-racist, critical thinkers who are safe and understood in their school environment. Schools are becoming a more diverse, inclusive and representative teaching body with a curriculum which is reflective of the community it serves.

Westminster City Council

Taking action to increase representation on boards across Westminster voluntary and community organisations and supporting career development

We have set out a programme of initiatives and measures to address our pay gaps, committing to fairness, equality and access to opportunity for all. A Fairer Westminster is the Council’s vision for building a city that supports and celebrates all of our communities, by working directly with our residents, communities and businesses to build a more inclusive City. This commitment has led to the organisation delivering a programme to support better representation on boards across Westminster voluntary and community organisations, building greater trust, communication and co-operation making a real impact in the community and supporting employee career development.

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