Champions of inclusive communication

03 Jul 2014

University wins equality and diversity award

The University has won an equality and diversity award for its inclusive communications.

The Equality and Diversity team picked up their award from the Employers Network for Equality and Inclusion (enei). Its awards celebrate organisations with a commitment to good equality and diversity practice above and beyond legal compliance and innovative approaches that will inspire other employers.

Aside from the usual ways of communicating, in 2010 the University team devised an online Diversity Calendar which is also accessible in print. Each month represents a different Protected Characteristic, many in line with national celebration events. It also includes detailed information on the six major religious groups and beliefs and highlights other significant national Equality and Diversity events.

The Calendar is posted out to hundreds of people and sent on-line to all staff and customers. It is endorsed from the top of the organisation and is now a popular and well used resource which is expected each year.

The accolades are granted in 21 categories, with winners having to demonstrate a clear response to a specific challenge, definitive and measurable outcomes and evidence of significant impact.

Head of Diversity and Equality Patrick Johnson said: “This is wonderful recognition for the team who are always thinking of innovative ways to promote diversity across the University. The award is particularly satisfying as we were up against a range of private and public sector organisations.” 

Among the speakers addressing more than 250 delegates at the event was enei’s patron Rt Hon David Blunkett MP, who questioned why many employers still saw diversity as a nice to do, rather than as a moral issue.

Denise Keating, chief executive of enei, said: “The enei Annual Awards recognise the commitment of organisations to achieving diverse and inclusive workplaces, celebrating the teams and individuals who really are making a difference. We have been encouraged by the steps these organisations have taken to promote equality and diversity and hope this will encourage other companies to follow their lead. Over 80 organisations entered the awards this year and we are delighted that many of them are prepared to publicly demonstrate best practice and have been recognised for the innovative work they are doing.”