Our diversity and inclusion pledge
We’re committed to promoting equality of opportunity and tackling inequalities both in our community and workforce, but we recognise that disadvantage and discrimination still exist, and COVID-19 has widened the gap nationally.
We pledge to eliminate unlawful discrimination and treat people fairly, and over the last 12 months have been reviewing our organisational approach to diversity and inclusion, both for our residents and our workforce.
Our progress so far
In December 2021, Cabinet approved a set of principles, objectives and a delivery plan which will ensure that everybody working for us is able to thrive.
We wanted our approach to Diversity and Inclusion to work for everyone who works for us and across all service levels and interests, which is why we consulted broadly with Members, staff and residents to gather different perspectives on what should be included. We also commissioned an independent thought leader and expert in the sector to lead a series of workshops. As a result, five key priority areas emerged – Recruitment, Communication, Training, Raising Awareness, and Celebrating Differences – and we’ve now developed an internal delivery plan that focuses on transforming these areas.
Our new principles and objectives
The principles we’ll work to are:
- Staffordshire is a place where there is equality of opportunity for all, regardless of circumstances.
- We are an inclusive and diverse employer, where our people feel they have the opportunity to succeed and progress.
- We develop and deliver services that are inclusive and accessible to all.
Our equality objectives which cover the period 2021-23 are:
- Review and strengthen our recruitment and retention processes and practices.
- Review and strengthen our diversity and inclusion training offer to employees.
- Strengthen our approach to engaging and collaborating with our workforce and communities on diversity and inclusion issues.
- Raise awareness of and celebrate diversity.
Staff communities
As part of raising awareness, celebrating our differences and ensuring our people have support networks, we’ve a number of communities throughout the council. One way our communities are supported is through our Yammer social media channel, and our Corporate Communications team also work to ensure awareness of significant events.
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- Two Staffordshire companies have been recognised for their contribution to business in the 2023 King's Awards for Enterprise.
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- A Staffordshire business who has benefitted from borrowing a carbon dioxide monitor to improve ventilation within their workplace, is urging others to take advantage of the free scheme.
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- A Stafford school that moved into a brand-new location in 2020 has had its official opening celebration today (Wednesday).
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- Staffordshire residents can play their part in minimising the spread of Covid-19 this summer, by getting fully vaccinated and taking sensible precautions.