Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion

Leading the field

Leading the field in equality and diversity in our workplace, inclusive service delivery and tackling disadvantage in the communities we serve. 

We have three inter-connected strands that help us organise our work.  We have set goals and commitments against each of these strands; these goals will be tracked and measured in a set of annual action plans, which sit underneath this framework. 

Inclusive Communities

Goal 1: We work with communities to help them thrive

Commitments:

• Engage with, and support, local community groups and organisations.
• Promote inclusive behaviour with residents and those using services.
• Work directly with communities to identify inequality and tackle disadvantage.

Goal 2: We work with partners to tackle disadvantage in our communities

Commitments:

• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion through our supply chain and strategic partnerships.
• Promote and encourage inclusive behaviour for future generations.
• Work with all partner organisations to understand diverse needs and create inclusive communities.

Inclusive service delivery

Goal 3: Our information and buildings are accessible for all

Commitments:

• Ensure our information, website and digital services are accessible for all; including those digitally excluded.
• Take action to make our buildings accessible to all residents and staff.

Goal 4: Our services use good data and engage with users to plan and meet their diverse needs

Commitments:

• Better understand those using services and their needs by collecting their information and feedback.
• Engage residents, those using services users and community groups when planning and delivering services.
• Plan and deliver services that promote inclusion.

Inclusive workplace

Goal 5: Our workforce is inclusive, reflecting the diversity of the communities we serve

Commitments:

• Improve the diversity of our organisation at all levels to be representative of our communities.
• Celebrate and promote diversity in our workforce.
• Provide a supportive environment so all staff can reach their potential.

Goal 6: Our staff have the values, skills and knowledge to be inclusive

Commitments:

• Identify and tackle discrimination in all its forms.
• Provide managers with the skills to support employees with different needs and plan inclusive services.
• Train our staff to identify and avoid unconscious bias and deliver inclusive services.

Underpinning Principles

Our equality, diversity and inclusion Framework is underpinned by the following key principles:

Inclusion is everyone's responsibility

 

Including everyone means that we all need to work together, in the workplace and in communities to remove seen and unseen barriers to opportunities.

We listen and learn together

People have unique experiences and perspectives which can enrich our collective understanding, so by creating a culture of curiosity we can learn how to best focus our efforts.

Flexibility supports diverse needs

Recognising and responding well to diverse needs, ensures we deliver inclusive communities, services and workplaces.

Diversity is embraced and celebrated

There is enormous strength in diversity; we celebrate this and embrace it in our learning, service delivery and community leadership.