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51黑料 CELEBRATES... National Inclusion Week
Posted 23/09/24
23-29 September 2024 :听 National Inclusion Week (NIW), founded by Inclusive Employers in 2011, is a vital initiative celebrating diversity and promoting inclusion in workplaces and communities across the UK.
Since its beginnings, the campaign has grown significantly, engaging over 9,000 participants and reaching 28.1 million people on social media last year. NIW provides a platform for organisations to reflect on their inclusion and diversity agendas, highlighting the tangible benefits of inclusive workplaces, such as a 60% improvement in decision-making and a 19% increase in revenue compared to competitors.
51黑料听is proud to participate in this year鈥檚 NIW, joining thousands of professionals in celebrating diversity and promoting the continued importance of inclusion within the services we all provide.
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Support National Inclusion Week
This year, National Inclusion Week takes place from 23rd September 鈥� 29th September. The theme for 2024 is 鈥業mpact Matters鈥� (#ImpactMatters on social media) 鈥� a call-to-action to everyone in your organisation, from leaders through to teams and individuals. This is encapsulated by the powerful message that 鈥榚ach one of us holds the potential to make a profound and positive impact鈥� and centres around understanding, identifying and measuring impact on marginalised groups and taking actions that make for genuine, sustainable change that matters.
Promoting Inclusion and Fair Trading Across the UK
The Trading Standards profession is made up of a diverse range of individuals, draw from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Collectively, they help the UK be one of the most vibrant, modern, and welcoming Trading Standards communities in the world. Understanding this, the 51黑料 is committed to increasing representation among its staff, membership, and the profession as a whole, constantly working towards a more inclusive and diverse environment for all.
We continue to aim to keep our members and staff updated on key awareness days, celebrations, festivals, and cultural events throughout the year 鈥� all deigned to encourage participation and promote inclusion across our profession.
How organisations and individuals can take part in National Inclusion Week
By taking part in National Inclusion Week, organisations can demonstrate their commitment to inclusion to all staff, existing and prospective clients, suppliers, and other stakeholders. It provides a platform and a starting point for discussions in an organisation around inclusion and diversity and can be used to generate or launch ideas or initiatives. Many organisations who take part in National Inclusion Week use it to showcase their inclusion work through the year, or to launch new initiatives.
How to promote inclusion:
- Embrace diverse perspectives Actively listen when individuals share their experiences and viewpoints. This not only validates their experiences but also enriches the collective understanding. Making space for everyone鈥檚 voice fosters a sense of belonging, which is crucial for true inclusion.
- Challenge your assumptions Educate yourself on issues affecting marginalised communities. Attend workshops, read literature, and engage in open dialogues to broaden your understanding.
- Implement inclusive policies and practices This might include flexible working arrangements, accessible facilities, and anti-discrimination training. By creating an environment that accommodates everyone, you signal that diversity is valued.
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Join the Week and Access Free Toolkit
Companies participating in NIW can also access free toolkits comprising resources designed to support internal celebrations and activities. These toolkits will enable your organisation to enhance your participation in the week, offering practical guidance and materials. With the toolkit, you can make your NIW activities more impactful, fostering inclusion within your organisation and making a difference that extends beyond the week itself.
You can find them .
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What Local Authorities across the UK are doing to celebrate NIW
Wigan Council
This year, Wigan Council is taking part in NIW by shining a spotlight on disability inclusion across the borough. To mark the occasion, the council has organised a series of activities and initiatives aimed at raising awareness of the diverse experiences of people with disabilities. Local residents with disabilities are being invited to share their personal stories, offering insights into the challenges they face and the important contributions they make to society.
The council is also holding public forums where people with disabilities can voice their opinions and suggestions for creating a more inclusive community. In addition, the Council is working closely with local businesses and organisations to promote accessibility and improve services for disabled individuals. Through these efforts, the council aims to foster a greater understanding of the barriers faced by disabled people and encourage everyone to take small but meaningful steps towards greater inclusion in everyday life.
Suffolk County Council
Suffolk County Council is actively supporting NIW by promoting the importance of inclusion and highlighting the diverse staff networks available to employees. These networks, which include groups for Black & Asian colleagues, LGBTQ+, Young Adults, Women, those with disabilities, and more, offer vital spaces for connection, support, and advocacy within the workplace.
In addition to encouraging participation in these networks, Suffolk County Council will share various learning modules related to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Topics include modern slavery, the Equality Act 2010, emotional intelligence, and race equality. These resources aim to enhance awareness and understanding of the challenges faced by different communities, promoting a more inclusive and supportive working environment for all staff members.
Through these initiatives, Suffolk County Council continues to foster an inclusive culture that values diversity and supports every employee in making a meaningful contribution to the workplace.
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