National Inclusion Week launched at Leeds Civic Hall

Leeds City Council has given its backing to a national campaign promoting the value of having a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Held from 21-25 September, National Inclusion Week opened with Leeds City Council, working in conjunction with a range of employers in the city committed to diversity in their workforce, welcoming members of the business community, the third sector and council staff to a national launch event held at the city’s Civic Hall. Hosted in partnership with Inclusive Employers, the morning included speeches from the deputy leader of Leeds City Council, Cllr James Lewis, chief executive Tom Riordan and assistant chief executive, James Rogers. Topics discussed included highlighting significant benefits of creating an environment which offers every person the opportunity to flourish in the workplace through providing equal access to all opportunities and resources on offer, regardless of their age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, race or disability.

As part of its commitment to National Inclusion Week, Leeds City Council is also holding a variety of events, sessions and workshops opened to all staff. Features of the programme include the opportunity to find out more about issues regarding mental health and shared parental leave as well as to attend equality, disability, LGB, transgender and Bi-Visibility awareness courses and events.

To find out more about National Inclusion Week, please see: http://www.nationalinclusionweek.co.uk/

Councillor James Lewis, deputy leader of Leeds City Council said:

“We are very passionate about ensuring people in Leeds feel valued and respected, recognising the huge importance a diverse and inclusive workforce brings to all sectors in this city. This is why we were very delighted to be given the opportunity to launch National Inclusion Week this year.

“Regardless of their age, gender, disability, religion, race or sexuality, it is vital all employers have the right information and policies in place in order to support all of their employees to thrive in the workplace. There is still more work to be done, but I am very pleased to see the positive response we have had from many employers in Leeds to National Inclusion Week and the importance of ensuring we have a more diverse and inclusive workforce in this city.”

Notes to editors:

Inclusive Employers work with companies looking to build inclusive workplaces. To find out more about Inclusive Employers, please see: http://www.inclusiveemployers.co.uk/

For media enquiries, please contact;

Colin Dickinson, Leeds City Council press office (0113) 39 51578

Email: colin.dickinson@leeds.gov.uk