City of Bradford MDC

This award is open to a single council or where appropriate a partnership of councils, or a council-owned company. Private sector partners can enter on a council’s behalf, with the permission of the council itself. This award recognises strong performance by a council, with a primary focus on the relevant timescale, in developing a diverse and inclusive culture that permeates the council itself and its workforce and/or the broader local area. The entry could demonstrate the council’s attempts to foster a more diverse and inclusive workplace for all employees, and members - promoting and progressing diversity and inclusion values from within - and describe how this is helping to attract and retain talent. It could include internal council initiatives, customer/service user-facing work, or work to promote a wide range of careers on the council to appeal to different people. The entry could alternatively focus more on the broader local area, highlighting initiatives driven by the council to foster diversity and help facilitate inclusion across the local community. It could include how the council has worked with other business and other local organisations to improve opportunity, participation and engagement.

Diversity and inclusion go beyond buzz words. Bradford Council’s Stronger Communities Team turns words into action, working with people, businesses and local organisations to improve opportunity, participation and engagement. We involve communities in decision making, design and delivery. We make meaningful change systemically through policy and practice. Our simple motto: 1. Start where you are – not everyone is the same or needs the same thing 2. Use what you have – pioneering, innovative, in-depth and inclusive solutions that work for all 3. Do what you can - there are no quick fixes, we commit to small acts every day

At Penna, challenging the lack of diverse representation within organisations is a critical mission. We want to assist employers foster a truly inclusive environment within which they recognise and value the differences of each employee. This is reflected in our own team which represents people from all walks of life and across all protected characteristics. Sponsoring this award gives us the opportunity to applaud the great strides other organisations and teams are taking in tackling inequality. Going against the status quo is never easy, but it is the right thing to do. It is an honour to recognise the leadership, commitment and hard work that is making the world a little fairer and equal.