B&NES Council pledges inclusive leadership
The 'Inclusive Leadership Pledge' has been called 'fundamental' to the local authority's objectives of supporting a diverse and engaged workforce
A new pledge has been signed by B&NES Council in a bid to support inclusivity amongst staff and tackle discrimination in the workplace.
The 'Inclusive Leadership Pledge' has been called 'fundamental' to the local authority's objectives of supporting a diverse and engaged workforce.
It commits leaders to help break down barriers in communities, ensure elimination of discrimination, and advance equality of opportunity.
It's been signed by council leader Councillor Kevin Guy, Council chief executive Will Godfrey and the chairs of the Staff Network Group, with the pledge now being rolled out across the organisation.
It's all about building on the council’s core values and behaviours which the council has adopted alongside its purpose to improve people’s lives.
Councillor Kevin Guy, leader of the council, said: “The council is committed to showing leadership and organisational commitment to equality and employing a diverse and engaged workforce. They are fundamental objectives and are set out in the Equality Improvement Plan which I whole heartedly support.”
Will Godfrey said: “We value all our staff. They work hard to serve all our Bath & North East Somerset residents. But we recognise that all organisations need to do more to develop, listen to, and act on the widest possible range of diverse voices. This pledge actively encourages an environment where people can collaborate and help shape the future of the council and the diverse communities it represents and serves.”
The authority has four Staff Network and Development Groups representing Minority Ethnic staff which help identify, promote and support role models and act as champions of inclusivity.
The Staff Network Group Chairs won a Bath & North East Somerset Council Staff Recognition award for their work championing inclusivity and ensuring colleagues learn together in a positive and collaborative way.
The Staff Network Group Chairs representatives said: “Chairs of the Staff Network Groups ensure that colleagues across the council learn together in a positive and collaborative way. We are a strong employee voice, encouraging and supporting others to be heard for the benefit not just of staff but for the services the council delivers to residents. We welcome this pledge as another step the council has taken to champion inclusivity.”