H&F equalities objectives
Our Equalities Plan 2021-25 highlights how the council will put fairness, equity, and compassion at the heart of everything we do.
The 5 equality objectives are:
- Everyone in our borough feels valued and they belong
- Removing barriers to inclusion
- Ensuring that our services tackle the disproportionate impact on young people (including those at risk of street crime and exploitation by gangs)
- Improving opportunities for all
- Becoming an employer of choice and fostering greater inclusion
Staff groups
Carers Network
Caring for a family member or a friend can be one of the most rewarding experiences we go through in life. We also recognise that with these rewards come challenges. We were never given an instruction manual on how to look after someone who needs our support.
We just do our best to ensure those who require our support get the care they deserve.
This space is not to give advice. It is a safe space to:
- share and unload
- be listened to and acknowledged without judgement
- be amongst others who share similar experiences or who understand.
If you do not feel ready to speak, we hope that knowing someone is going through something similar will give you some comfort.
Disability Equity Network
The council is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. This means providing the right support and reasonable adjustments for Disabled staff members so they are included and can do their best in their jobs.
Disabled people, unfortunately, are the most marginalised group of people, particularly around decisions that directly affect their lives. Therefore, the Disability Equity Network (DEN) works with the council to build a culture that values and respects the rights of Disabled staff.
Where "Nothing About Disabled People Without Disabled People" is at the heart of decision-making at the council.
The network is focusing on:
- respecting the rights of Disabled staff in the council
- working with People and Talent (HR) to remove existing barriers faced by Disabled staff.
Early Careers Network
The Early Careers Network is here to empower and support professionals who feel they are at the start of their career in local government, regardless of age. This can mean different things to different people.
We welcome anyone who:
- is in the first 5 years of their career
- has moved roles within the organisation and feels like they're starting on a new path
- has transitioned into a role in local government from the private sector or other areas of the public sector.
We aim to:
- provide networking opportunities for people to connect, share experiences, and exchange knowledge
- create a safe and relaxed environment where we can form a collective voice for those in their early career
- advocate for the network to be involved in key decision-making and help shape the future of H&F
- facilitate and arrange opportunities for professional development through workshops and guest speakers
- provide council insights through showcasing the various roles, departments, and opportunities available across H&F
- collaborate with other networks to consider the intersectionality of experience.
Pride Network
We are a group of staff who identify as LGBTQIA and allies.
This is a platform that aims to:
- provide a safe space for LGBTQIA staff to share their experiences, views and concerns, exchange knowledge and ideas, signpost, and most importantly support each other
- network, support, and champion the wellbeing of LGBTQIA staff, and tackle issues in the workplace
- be a sounding board for the organisation and senior leaders to hear from LGBTQIA staff and learn and understand the barriers they face
- provide a platform for LGBTQIA staff to form a collective voice
- celebrate events and meet up social at work.
Allies welcome!
Race Equality Staff Forum
Our Race Equality Staff Forum has been formed to take positive action to challenge and address racial discrimination and to tackle racial inequality in the workplace.
We will avoid becoming a 'talk shop' or fixating on what is not working.
The forum is a platform to empower and support Black, Asian, and multi-ethnic colleagues. It seeks to provide educational opportunities to all staff.
Allies welcome!
Women’s Network
We are a group of staff who network, support and champion the wellbeing of female staff, and tackle issues they are facing in the workplace.
We provide a platform for female colleagues to form a collective voice and opportunities:
- for female staff to connect, share experiences, exchange knowledge and ideas and support each other
- for female colleagues to utilise their skills to support and empower each other
- to share activities and events.
The network aims to help make H&F a better place to work for all female staff in terms of career development, role modelling, work-life balance, awareness raising (including life changes) and access to external networks.