Award for commitment to inclusion and diversity

Malvern Hills and Wychavon District Councils have become the first councils in Worcestershire to be formally recognised for their commitment to building a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Both councils have achieved Inclusive Worcestershire Leaders status, meaning they are at the forefront of best practices, committed to diversity and inclusion, and a role model for other organisations to follow.

The scheme is run by Worcestershire Growth Hub and Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership. It promotes the benefits to companies of embracing diversity and inclusion to support staff and grow their workforce.

Both councils are Disability Confident Employers, a government scheme encouraging companies to recruit and retain staff with disabilities and health conditions.

They have an equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) lead who delivers employee training and drives the councils’ approach to EDI on top of their day-to-day job. Employees also volunteer to act as Health and Wellbeing Champions to promote awareness and other support to colleagues.

Both councils also work closely with schools and colleges on work placements, employment talks, events and visits to create opportunities for young people.

Companies wanting to find out more about how being more inclusive can benefit them should visit: www.worcestershiregrowthhub.co.uk/inclusive