For local authorities across the UK, diversity is a key priority. To provide effective services to their customers, authorities know that they must fully represent the communities they serve.

But while many councils endlessly debate strategies, plans and principles, Brighton & Hove City Council has taken positive steps to make diversity a living and working reality.

Brighton & Hove’s approach is grounded in research, as Alan McCarthy, the Council’s Chief Executive explained: “We listened to what people had to say about us. We talked to community groups and individuals. We asked them what we can do, as an employer, to make the council a place of genuine opportunity for all.”

Having gathered and analysed this information, the Council are putting in place a series of programmes and initiatives with one collective goal: to make the organisation fully representative of the wide range of communities within the city. This in itself will underpin the Council’s mission to develop and deliver more efficient, effective, streamlined and targeted services.

While legal compliance is clearly a significant issue, the Council is moving beyond this by pioneering good practice and embedding its principles into the culture of the city and beyond. Diversity is about more than employment, but impacts on the Council’s work as a community leader too.

Within the organisation, working practices are evolving to ensure that equality of opportunity is a keystone of the Council’s future success.

“We want to build a working environment where everyone can thrive and grow,” said Alan McCarthy. “There’s a solid and robust support structure in place, as well as a commitment to equality across recruitment, training, development and career progression.”

Brighton & Hove City Council has set up a website that outlines its diversity work in more detail, including its innovative social inclusion programmes. Visit: www.workingforadiverse-city.org.uk.

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