Diversity
Cost of living crisis loomed large at The MJ Forum
Heather Jameson says it was clear from The MJ Future Forum that the sector is facing a massive agenda. 'But what is perhaps more of a surprise is how little the Queen’s Speech addressed the main issues and captured the zeitgeist of the forum.
Future Forum: Sector must take lead on diversity
Councils should ‘think outside the box’ when recruiting to senior positions, The MJ’s Future Forum has heard.
New Solace hire to improve sector diversity
Senior officers' organisation Solace is recruiting a new officer in a drive to improve diversity.
Going in a new direction at Runnymede
Runnymede BC recruits in a small but competitive market, and to operate effectively for residents, and meet modern employees’ expectations, it has been transforming how it works, says Paul Turrell.
Building a diverse workforce ecosystem
Charlotte Croffie highlights why inclusive leadership is vital in todays evolving world, and how a workforce that reflects its community can truly benefit your organisation.
Council leader bemoans lack of diversity in interim market
The leader of crisis-hit Slough BC has said the interim market is made up of ‘pale stale males’ as the council looks to make senior recruitment reflect the diversity of the borough.
A sense of belonging
When equality, diversity and inclusion are a golden thread weaved into the wider organisational strategy, it just becomes business as usual and the standard, expected way of working, as Darra Singh explains.
The difference makers
Rebecca Davis looks at how the landscape of the sector will continue to evolve over the next 12 months, and that supporting ‘our people’ – both internally and externally – will be more important than ever.
HMJ: Progress on racial equality not ‘far or fast enough’
Trust leaders are ‘angry and frustrated’ over the slow pace of progress on race equality, according to a new survey by NHS Providers.
Breaking the bias in Stockport
On International Women’s Day, leader of Stockport MBC Cllr Elise Wilson outlines the positive steps being taken to improve equality both within the council, across the borough and in the wider Greater Manchester region.
Let’s reflect and represent communities’ diversity
This International Women’s Day offers a great chance for local government to reflect on the scale of ambition needed to make itself more representative of the people it stands for, says Erica Roscoe.
We can all play a leading role
Leadership comes in many forms, and as Neil Lupin reflects on the countless examples being displayed both on a local level and abroad, he finds that leadership is not just the preserve of those ‘in charge’.
Using data to support Bradford’s vulnerable through COVID
Bradford City Council won the Building Diversity and Inclusion category of The MJ Awards for a partnership project working with vulnerable communities using data-led interventions to keep people safe during COVID. Kersten England explains.
Essex CC's levelling up plans 'genuinely trailblazing'
Essex CC’s strategy and initiatives for levelling up across the county were praised today as ‘genuinely trailblazing’ by co-chair of The Purpose Coalition Justine Greening.
Supporting Lewisham’s diverse retailers
Cllr Damien Egan outlines how Lewisham is responding to a survey of the post-pandemic challenges faced by high street businesses, including black, Asian and minority ethnic retailers.
Reasons to be cheerful
The MJ and Penna’s annual survey of council chief executives reveals resilience and the ability to adapt have become reasons for the sector to celebrate, yet respect and recognition outside the sector is still lacking. Heather Jameson reports.
Councils' USP is their focus on employees as people
Sue Atkinson, Anne Sullivan and Sonia Tanda at Penna say it's time to talk about your council's diversity and inclusion strategy, physical and mental health initiatives and your organisational culture.
Leading the way on diversity and inclusion in Hertfordshire
The shocking murders of George Floyd and Sarah Everard have further strengthened Hertfordshire’s commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion and tackling harassment and abuse, says Owen Mapley.
A time of Black pride – Celebrating #ProudToBe this BHM
Celebrating Black History Month, Penna’s diversity and inclusion leader, Alexis Curtis-Harris, gives her perspective on why she’s ‘Proud to Be Black’.
A diverse challenge for the sector
Recruiting, retaining and developing a diverse workforce across the sector has never been more important. Steve Guest looks at how Solace is approaching this challenge at a systemic and operational level.