National Inclusion Week 2021
Monday 27 September to Friday 3 October 

National Inclusion Week takes place annually to celebrate diversity whilst promoting the importance of equality within the workplace.
The theme for this year is #UnitedForInclusion and seeks to encourage unity between people, organisations and businesses.

The council will be marking this occasion with a week-long series of virtual events, seminars and interactive discussion forums that will focus on providing information, celebrating inclusivity whilst continuing to motivate all employees to work together by uniting to share learning, best practices and to encourage open conversations.

Details of events that are available to book onto during National Inclusion Week are outlined below:

  • Career conversation webinar
    Monday 27 September 10.30am to 12pm

    Melanie Medley, Director of Employee Experience (Interim) will be chairing this event with Robert Taylor, a renowned photographer whose early work included a run of contributions to LGBTQ+ human rights campaigns.
    As well as engagement with projects exploring the intersectionality between LGBT+ and Black Queer experiences through art based projects. Robert previously worked in the British Royal Air Force, the legal profession and within publishing in Nigeria. There will be an opportunity to ask Robert and Melanie questions during the Q&A. This event is open to all staff.

    Please reserve your place via My Learning Source
    If you do not have access to MLS then use this meeting link.

  • Being Antiracist (Part 1): Developing confidence in conversations about race
    Tuesday 28 September 1 to 2pm

    This webinar will explore some of the challenges faced by employees of all races and ethnicities when talking about race. While as a society we have been examining and reflecting on our relationship with race and racism, many still do not feel confident enough to engage in this conversation – sometimes through fear of getting it wrong, fear of being judged, or fear of not operating in a safe space. We will look at some key concepts to help build your confidence to start conversations that can lead to change.
    • Why this is relevant to everyone - through data and real-life examples of the barriers faced by Minority Ethnic groups in society.
    • What it means to be Antiracist: how it differs from non-racist and how the concept has helped evolved the conversation around personal accountability.
    • Intersectionality: appreciating individual experiences and how different parts of a person’s identity play a role in their lived experience.
    • Unpicking White Privilege – what it is, how it creates blind spots for White people and barriers for other, and how to use one’s privilege to help elevate the voices of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people.
    This event is open to all staff.

    Please reserve your place via My Learning Source
    If you do not have access to MLS then the meeting link to join the event will be provided in advance of the event.

  • Understanding Autism
    Wednesday 29 September 12 to 1pm

    The aim of this event is to challenge misconceptions and myths surrounding autism in a real and relevant way.
    The session will cover the following:
    • What is Autism?
    • Statistics and context
    • The Autism Employment Gap and what organisations can do to close it
    • Describe common difficulties often faced by autistic people
    • Describe some of the strengths and unique attributes of autistic people
    • Supporting colleagues – workplace and communication considerations
    • A general overview of the support available to the family or friends of an autistic person

    Click here for the meeting link.

  • Being Antiracist (Part 2): From conversation to action
    Thursday 30 September 10 to 11am

    We will explore:
    • Creating safe spaces: what it takes to create a safe space where conversations and action can happen.
    • Addressing language and understanding micro-aggressions – understanding what race-related micro-aggressions are and how they have an impact on individuals and culture. We will explore practical ways to challenge micro-aggressions.
    • Unconscious bias: examples of how biases create barriers for ethnic minority groups at work, and what can be done at individual and team level to help mitigate these.
    • Antiracist allyship: understanding individual accountability and identifying key actions to actively contribute to change.

    Please reserve your place via My Learning Source
    If you do not have access to MLS then the meeting link to join the event will be provided in advance of the event.

  • United for Inclusion: Leading Inclusive Organisations for Leaders and Managers Cost £50
    Friday 1 October 9.30 to 10.30am OR 11am to 12pm

    Many leaders found themselves lacking the knowledge and skills to navigate the expectations of staff increasingly looking to them to lead the way through the Covid19 pandemic which has also seen a renewed focus on anti-racism and the drive for intersectional inclusion, in particular for marginalised groups. This webinar will explore the behaviours of an inclusive leader, the Inclusive Employers model for inclusive leadership and how leaders can start developing these skills.