At North Yorkshire Council, we believe in the importance and intrinsic value of a diverse and inclusive workplace, and of centring the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion in the work we do in the community. Find out more about North Yorkshire Council and equality, diversity and inclusion below.
Our equality, diversity and inclusion policy
Equal opportunities information
Equalities assessment and consultation
Our employee networks
North Yorkshire Council has a number of employee networks and as a council, we recognise the value that employee networks bring for both for the council, and for some of our 13,000+ employees (excluding schools). Our staff networks provide supportive spaces for our employees and are incredibly valuable consultation networks for reviewing and improving the County Council’s culture, policies and services.
At North Yorkshire Council we are committed to creating inclusive workplace for all of our employees and service users, that values the diversity of North Yorkshire and its residents. We encourage our council employees to join the staff networks, and partake in Network activities, in acknowledgement of the value the Networks can bring, not only to staff wellbeing, but to furthering our progress to becoming a truly inclusive workplace.
Value in racial diversity network
The Value in Racial Diversity Network is a space for Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority employees working across the council to connect and network, sharing their personal and professional experiences. It also provides a safe space of support for members who may be experiencing difficulties at work, with a focus on improving and promoting positive change and the increased recruitment, retention and advancement of Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority employees.
“Being a part of the Value in Racial Diversity Network has been amazing with people from so many different backgrounds and so many similar lived experiences being able to come together to discuss concerns and work together to help shape a better experience for all working for the council.”- Zaheer Ishtiaq, Value in Racial Diversity Network member
“The Value in Racial Diversity Group is a very friendly, safe and open group of colleagues from ethnic minority backgrounds which seek to support each other and raise the profile of valuing racial diversity across the council. We consist of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds that are united in seeking to tackle racism in the work place and provide network support across the council to individuals from an ethnic minority background. As an individual from a Pakistani background, the issues that are discussed at this Group are very close to my heart and I am passionate in ensuring that staff from different backgrounds have a safe environment to discuss issues they are facing and providing mutual support to each other. We are actively looking for new members and please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to join this network.” – Barry Khan, Chair of the Value in Racial Diversity Network
"The network provides a great arena for all of us to share experiences and feedback in a safe environment what needs to improve across the organisation in relation to challenges faced by members of ethnic minorities.” – Haroon Rashid, Value in Racial Diversity Network
Disabled employee network
The Disabled Employee Network is a space for those who identify as disabled or have a long-term health condition to connect and network, sharing their personal and professional experiences.
In the Disabled Employee Network, disability is considered in its widest context and includes, but is not limited to, physical disabilities, neurodiversity /specific learning difficulties / learning differences (e.g dyslexia), autism, mental health conditions, chronic health conditions and sensory impairments. The Network also recognise that not all disabilities are visible or permanent.
The Disabled Employee Network also provides a safe space of support for members who may be experiencing difficulties at work, with a focus on improving and promoting positive change, advising on making the council more inclusive of disabled employees and service users, and increasing awareness of issues affecting disabled employees at the council.
"Having a disabled employee network makes me feel that the council recognises that it has disabled employees. We are part of the staff, and we do exist. Having the network allows us to share common experiences (both positive and negative) and, I hope, going forwards, will make the council a better place to work for those with disabilities and health conditions.” – Abi Bubb, Disabled Employee Network member
“Being a member of the Disabled Employee Network enables us to have a voice and change things for the better, not just for ourselves but also for our colleagues with additional needs and disabilities” – Disabled Employee Network member
"All autistic people are different but we are often passionate and curious people who love attention to detail. We are also accepting and less judgmental of others with a strong sense of justice and fairness - often due to previous experiences of being 'other'. Contrary to common beliefs, we often have a great sense of humour and hyper empathy. Diagnosis brings validation and I am becoming more confident in understanding my challenges but also my worth and what I have to offer. My hope is that we see an increasingly accepting world where we all learn to adapt to each other's needs." - Isla Monks, Graduate Trainee Practice Care and Support
Pride employee network
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ+) Employee Network is a space for North Yorkshire Council who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and/or queer or questioning to connect and network, sharing their personal and professional experiences. It also provides a safe space of support for members who may be experiencing difficulties at work, with a focus on improving and promoting positive change, advising on making the council more LGBT-inclusive to LGBTQ+ employees and service users, and increasing awareness of LGBTQ+ issues at the council.
"The Pride Employee Network is a space for those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and/or queer or questioning to connect and network, sharing their personal and professional experiences. It also provides a safe space of support for members who may be experiencing difficulties at work, with a focus on improving and promoting positive change, advising on making the Council more LGBT-inclusive to LGBTQ+ employees and service users, and increasing awareness of LGBTQ+ issues at the council.
"We are all on a person journey self-discovery, each and every day… I would encourage people to join the Pride network as a safe space to be, to explore and to learn, about self and others. To encourage more people to embrace our beautiful uniqueness and connect with people who help us to thrive on that sometimes very lonely road…” - Samantha Eblet, Pride Employee Network Member
"As a local authority, the council has a broad diversity not only in the services it provides for the public, but equally in the staff that it employs. The Pride network gives staff an easy pathway for anyone who might want advice, support or just a like-minded group of people to touch base with!” – Tim Townsend Pride Employee Network Member
Gender equality staff forum
The Gender Equality Staff Forum is a space for our employees with an interest in improving gender equality at the council to connect. It also provides a space of support for members who may be experiencing difficulties relating to gender equality at work, with a focus on improving and promoting positive change, advising on making the council more inclusive and equitable, and increasing awareness of issues on gender equality at the council.
