New cultural cohesion standard for Leeds to be launched by royal appointment

A new quality standard for Leeds encouraging greater cultural cohesion across the city is to be officially launched this week.

The new Cultural Cohesion Quality Mark (CCQM) will be launched at a special event to be held at the Civic Hall from 9am-12:30pm on Thursday 18 October, with Deputy Lieutenant for West Yorkshire David Pearson attending as guest of honour.

The Deputy Lieutenant will join a range of guests and speakers from community groups, schools and organisations from across the city to launch the CCQM and discuss its important role in encouraging greater cultural cohesion across Leeds. Limited final places at the free event are available and can be secured by registering at https://iccqm.org/

The CCQM is open to all businesses, organisations and community groups to attain, and has been developed to promote harmonious relationships through working with organisations to evaluate and improve their values, behaviours and knowledge in relation to positive culturally cohesive practice.

The scheme has been created and is overseen by Leeds City Council, working with multi-sector partners including education professionals, Voluntary Action Leeds (VAL), Children and Families officers, Child Friendly Leeds, schools and governors.

Leeds City Council executive member for learning, skills, employment and equality Councillor Jonathan Pryor said:

“We are delighted to be launching the new Cultural Cohesion Quality Mark for Leeds, which is open to all groups, businesses, schools and organisations in Leeds to attain and we are especially grateful to have a royal representative in Deputy Lieutenant for West Yorkshire David Pearson attending.

“Greater cultural cohesion, awareness and understanding and promoting positive relationships and respect for all is very important in tackling inequality in the city, so we would encourage as many groups and organisations in Leeds to get involved and achieve the standard.”

Open to organisations in all sectors of the city, the aim of the CCQM is to promote positive and harmonious relationships, improve cultural awareness and cohesion and reduce inequality in the city at all levels.

Speakers at the launch event will include those from Leeds City Council, Leeds City College, Voluntary Action Leeds, Red Ladder Theatre Company, Ansell Broderick and Claxton-Ruddock Associates.

Also attending and speaking will be representatives of Roundhay School, one of the first organisations to enrol in the programme.

Head of History and Politics at Roundhay School Tom Clements said;

“Roundhay School is delighted to have been involved with the CCQM from its inception. We believe that by developing our harmonious and diverse community all of our students will be able to achieve their potential.

“We believe that by developing the cultural cohesion of our students, staff and stakeholders that we will create an environment that will help to achieve our core values of responsibility, resilience and being ready to learn.”

For more information on the Cultural Cohesion Quality Mark (CCQM) and to register interest in taking part, visit https://iccqm.org/ or follow the scheme on twitter at @iCCQM

ENDS

For media enquiries please contact:

Roger Boyde,

Leeds City Council communications and marketing,

Email: roger.boyde@leeds.gov.uk

Tel: 0113 378 9164