Diversity and Inclusion

Denbighshire CC
Leading with Pride: Belonging for refugees and All

Denbighshire County Council: Pioneering Diversity and Inclusion. Denbighshire County Council champions diversity and inclusion through innovative initiatives like Tŷ Pride and its support for refugees and asylum seekers. Tŷ Pride, Wales’s first LGBTQ+ supported housing project, provides a safe, affirming environment for homeless young people, offering tailored support and fostering stability, education, and independence. The council’s refugee work integrates individuals into the community with housing, language classes, healthcare access, and employment support. Both programs emphasise collaboration, prevention, and advocacy, addressing systemic inequalities and creating inclusive opportunities. Denbighshire’s initiatives drive transformative change, setting a benchmark for nurturing equity and belonging across

Gravesham BC
Health & wellbeing in the Sikh Community

Following an alarming increase of recorded suicides amongst the Sikh community, Gravesham Borough Council recognised the urgent need to improve mental health and wellbeing support for this particular community where health issues, such as mental health are still ‘taboo’ subjects. Working with the Gurdwara in Gravesend, the Council’s Health & Wellbeing Team developed trusted relationships and delivered a partnership-led health and wellbeing initiative, raising awareness of support and health initiatives to directly reduce health inequalities, particularly in respect of mental health.

Kensington and Chelsea RBC
Bi-borough children's services anti-racist practice

At Bi-borough Children’s Services, we are committed to ensuring our practice is anti-racist and we have undertaken a number of different projects, initiatives and trainings to ensure all staff are equipped with the knowledge and support they need to provide truly anti-racist practice. The diversity of our residents and pupils is one of our great strengths and so by embedding inclusive practices, we will ensure that everyone has the chance to thrive. Our anti-racist practice work has included the Black and Asian Leadership Initiative, the Black Father's Unheard Project, our School Inclusions Strategy, our Anti-Racist Practice Standards and many more.

Liverpool City Region CA
Trainee Race Equality Employment Advocates

The REH and HiW launched this collaborative initiative to increase representation in the employment support sector and enhance the support of Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic Communities to participate in and benefit from education, training, and employment. 4 trainee roles were created focusing on support for BAME communities. Roles were ringfenced for candidates of BAME backgrounds with advice from legal, utilising employment legislation to outline an occupational requirement centred around the notion of cultural sensitivity. Trainees received bespoke training as well as ongoing support to deliver employment support to HiW participants. Engagement has increased by 15% to 30%.

Plymouth City Council
Supported internships

Plymouth’s remarkable progress in expanding supported internships from 9 to 56 placements in just two years exemplifies the transformative power of collaboration, dedication, and inclusivity. Discovery College’s 100% success rate demonstrates what can be achieved with a structured, individualized approach and strong partnerships. These programs not only empower individuals with disabilities but also enrich workplaces and communities. By addressing challenges and building on existing achievements, Plymouth is well-positioned to lead the way in creating a more inclusive workforce for all.

Sutton LBC

Sutton Council fosters an inclusive and diverse workplace so all feel valued and respected. 84% of staff tell us that they can see our commitment to diversity. Our inclusion activity is driven by senior leaders, staff networks, trade unions, and members as we work to reflect our diverse community. Our mean gender, disability, and ethnicity pay gaps have steadily decreased each year. 52.6% of appointments were multi-ethnic candidates in Q2 of 24/25, whilst 60% of our last five senior appointments were talented black professionals. Sutton was the first local authority to achieve Silver Race Equality Matters Trailblazer status.

Waltham Forest LBC
Moving from ideas to action and impact

At Waltham Forest Council we have prided ourselves on taking bold and incremental steps to achieving an inclusive workforce at all levels. We understand we are on a journey, but our drive to deliver sustainable, culture changing results is unwavering. We have harnessed the power of our data to inform EDI interventions, gain credibility and ensure transparency on the pain points experienced by colleagues across the organisation. This has led to a programme of work that demonstrates our commitment to tackle inequalities. It's an exciting and challenging time for us as we strive for excellence for employees and residents.

West Northamptonshire Council
Well Northants: Empowering communities and transforming lives

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) champions diversity and inclusion, fostering vibrant and cohesive communities through initiatives like Well Northants. Launched in 2021, Well Northants uses an Asset-Based Community Development approach to support vulnerable groups, including the Gypsy Roma Traveller community, sex workers, and boating communities. Outcomes include improved connections, community decision-making, and enhanced local resilience. Events like the Northampton Peace Vigil and Northampton Pride, attended by thousands, highlight the area’s cultural richness. With dedicated forums for underrepresented groups, WNC ensures every voice is valued. This transformative work exemplifies WNC's commitment to creating inclusive, thriving communities.

Westminster City Council
Dance Westminster 2024

Launched in December 2019, Dance Westminster is a collaboration between Westminster City Council and Step Change Studios targeted to provide inclusive dance opportunities for people with disabilities in our borough. The initiative offers dance workshops for individuals aged 11+ with no prior dance experience required. The program culminates in an annual final featuring dance performances by finalists paired with professional dancers. Over five years, Dance Westminster has engaged hundreds of participants, provided extensive dance training, and gained celebrity support. It has become a key part of Westminster’s cultural and wellness strategies.

Westmorland and Furness Council
Welcome to Work in the Visitor Economy

Westmorland & Furness Council and Cumbria Tourism have partnered to deliver Welcome to Work in the Visitor Economy, an innovative and needs-led project to tackle the acute issues of high rates of economic inactivity and poor employment outcomes among pockets of our local communities and significant staff shortages in our world-famous tourism sector. To date the project has worked with over 300 people seeking employment and supported 86 into work in our local visitor economy. This approach, involving a range of other public and third sector partners and local businesses, is making a real difference to our communities and economy.