Inclusion is growing - Sandra Pollock

I consider myself fortunate to have created opportunities not only to be at the front of the curve on equality issues but to be in a position to see and learn about the progress being made in many UK organisations large and small.

I previously posted that I had been invited to join the panel of Judges for the Inclusive 50 UK (IT50) Employers by Inclusive Companies. I was honoured to be part of this progressive strategy for positive change in this area. For more than thirty years much of my work has included working with senior leaders in organisations to support their understanding of the importance of diversity and inclusion. Without the commitment and ownership of DE&I at the senior level, little or no change will take place. And when started by those at lower levels, it will flitter out due to a lack of commitment, funding and senior support.

Being an IT50 Judge gave me a unique opportunity to have access to a plethora of information on the work organisations across the country are currently doing and plan to do to improve their workplace, and create greater inclusion and belonging for all. It’s clear that size does not need to be a deciding factor. It is the level of real commitment that is the driving force to creating inclusion and belonging in the workplace.

Yes, there are still areas and organisations within which huge change is still required and leaders are not convinced of the necessity of inclusion, but it is encouraging to see that change and serious change are being undertaken.

This year’s number one employer of the IT50 is West Midlands Fire Service. I would say that it was clear that the leadership of this public organisation is very serious about making inclusive change. They clearly see diversity as an additional skill and where this can add value they are not afraid to use the available legislation to guide their decisions. Congratulations to the West Midlands Fire Service.

This year was the first time I attended the Inclusive Companies Inclusion Awards where I had the pleasure of co-presenting the award for the number one ranking position for the most Inclusive UK Employer to the West Midlands Fire Service. My co-presenter was the very personable, Jiten Patel, Diversync.

What a tremendous night of celebration and what a great space to be in; a room filled with people who have one thing in common, the progression of diverse and inclusive cultures where everyone feels a part.

I was delighted to meet and speak with one of my heroes at this event, Lord Simon Woolley. This absolutely made my day.

Here are a few images taken at the event. Not of the official ones obviously.