– Through staff efforts to respond to community needs they have reduced overcrowding and arrears for resident Somali communities.
– There has been an improvement of access to and satisfaction with services for non-English speaking residents and customers.
– Access improvements have been made for disabled customers.
– The creation of new engagement opportunities for LGBT residents, working residents, White-East European residents and young people.
Girls Can Be Firefighters –
Responding to Inequalities in Gender & Ethnic Diversity Balance
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service have a work and volunteer force of 1050. Their vision is to make “Staffordshire the safest place to be”. As an organization they recognize that their work is seen to be the domain of white hetrosexual men. They are working hard to address this issue and are actively working towards employing more women, black and minority ethnic community members, people with disabilities and members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered community.
In order to address the issue of diversity in their workforce the organization has engaged a number of activities to create more public awareness on the importance of fire safety practices in the home, to engage diverse community members in safety issues and at the same time make people aware of opportunities within the Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service.
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In addition to their comprehensive training programmes, BSUH publish brochures and guidelines relevant to equality; monthly Equality Bulletins to highlight monthly current topics; monthly calendars of cultural and religious observances; and anticipated diversity issues and BSUH diversity and equality activities.
In serving their client base, BSUH ensure that resources and information is available covering a wide range of issues, this is provided through brochures, flyers, and tele-screen information. Events and workshop are also periodically offered to raise awareness of diversity and equip communities facing challenges with inclusion and understanding.
Diversity Champions Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals are excellent examples of a large organizational commitment to diversity within it’s organization as well as with their widely diverse client base!
Why the Diversity Champion Award Really Matters….
“We at BSUH are delighted to be recognised as a Diversity Champion Public Sector Award winner, especially as this is our first year of entering. It helps to demonstrate the commitment that is placed on Equality, Diversity and Human Rights not only by our Equality team but the organisation as a whole” Barbara Harris, Head of Equality, Diversity and Human Rights, Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust“I cannot say how happy we were to win the Diversity Champions Award. We take Diversity very seriously, and try to develop innovative approaches when possible. Staff and partners often don’t get the recognition they deserve. This is excellent recognition for a most dedicated, hard working team of staff at HMP Hewell” Darryl Jones, Head of Learning & Skills, HMP Hewell
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“I am delighted that East Kent Hospitals has won this Award. It’s a reflection of the importance the Trust places on Diversity and Equality for both our staff and patients. I would like to thank all our staff whose efforts have contributed to this Award, particularly Bruce Campion-Smith, Head of equality and engagement, whose hard work has led to the Trust being personal, fair and diverse” Stuart Bain, Chief Executive Officer, East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust“Staffordshire Fire and Rescue are very proud to have won the Award as it recognises and supports our unstinting commitment to equality and diversity in its broadest sense. We understand the value in the message this sends both internally in our organisation and externally to our service users and partners. Thank you!” Diane Dunlevey, Equality & Diversity Manager, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue
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“Diversity and inclusion are integral for us achieving our key priorities and delivering the objectives critical for Centro’s success. This is reflected in our promotion of respect and equality of opportunity for customers and staff alike. We are delighted to have received the Diversity Champion Public Sector Award for 2014” Anna Sirmoglou, Centro“Epsom and Ewell Borough Council views Diversity as essential to meeting the needs of its community. This Award demonstrates that we are striving to do the right things. Staff development, training and methods of raising awareness are continually reviewed (and delivered) to ensure we meet the ever changing needs of our residents and members of our workforce” Adama Roberts, Research, Consultation & Information Analyst, Epsom and Ewell Borough Council
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“The Diversity Champions Award brings International recognition to The University of Limerick’s commitment to ensuring that all faculty and staff are enabled to achieve their full potential through valuing Diversity and Equality of Opportunity. Being an Award winner will further create greater awareness of the importance of Diversity and will support our ethos of opportunity” Marie Connolly, Human Resources Division, University of Limerick“Glasgow Housing Association, part of Wheatley Group, is committed to equality and diversity. We are delighted to receive the Diversity Champion Public Sector Award 2014 as recognition that we treat everyone fairly. We understand that people in our communities have different backgrounds and interests, and we will continue to do all we cann to meet their needs” Lorna Wilson, Research and Development Manager, Wheatley Group
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