Introduction
We're committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and able to thrive.
Whether you're looking for support, want to get involved, or simply learn more, there are a variety of ways to engage and help shape our inclusive culture. Together, we can continue to create an environment where everyone feels they belong and can be their best.
Supporting our staff
We’re committed to supporting you so everyone can do their best and feel valued at work. Find out about the range of support, guidance and resources available to you from general advice through to dedicated support based on your individual circumstances.
Health and wellbeing
We have a dedicated health and wellbeing offer that includes:
- latest news
- monthly features
- our own wellbeing services
- a health and wellbeing directory that has a variety of internal and external resources
- healthy workplace opportunities and support
- details of our employee assistance programme (EAP)
- our employer schemes.
Support for disabled employees
Our dedicated section explains what support can be put in place from reasonable adjustments through to Access to Work funding to help you if you have a permanent or temporary disability. We also provide guidance for managers to help support any team members to make sure the right support is in place to help you perform to your best in your job.
Champions
Our various sets of champions are here to support you and your teams. They are a point of contact for advice, guidance and support and receive training, if relevant to carry out the role effectively. The champions include our:
Accreditations and employer schemes
We are proud to have made a commitment to the following accreditations and employer schemes to support you at work.
Age friendly employer pledge
This programme aims to help UK employers to improve work for people in their 50s and 60s so they can thrive in an age-diverse workforce.
We recognise the importance and value of older workers and are working to create an age-friendly culture that encourages recruitment and career development at all ages.
Armed Forces Covenant
As a council, we are fully committed to honouring our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC).
This is a promise by the nation to make sure that those who serve, or who have served, in the armed forces, and their families, are treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy and society they serve with their lives.
Disability Confident employer scheme
This scheme encourages employers to think differently about disability and take action to improve how they recruit, retain and develop disabled people.
We are a Disability Confident committed employer and are working to improve the support we have for disabled people from applicant through to leaving us.
Support is available for applicants, who now have an option when they apply for a job to opt into the scheme and be shortlisted for an interview if they meet the essential requirements of a job.
We have a range of resources for disabled people and their managers to help make work as accessible as possible. This includes:
Mindful Employer
The Mindful Employer charter is about recognising those employers who are committed to supporting mental health at work and helping employers to adapt the best and most up-to-date practices to achieve this goal. We're proud to sign this charter and support you at work.
White Ribbon
White Ribbon is a global campaign aimed at ending violence against women and girls. We are proud to support this initiative, encouraging everyone from our own employees and local communities to take action and spread awareness. Find out what our action plan is, how you can get involved and the support and resources available.
Team and manager
Your manager should form one of the main sources of support at work. You should be open and honest with them so they can provide the necessary support and resources to enable you to perform at your best.
You may also find it useful to discuss any problems or share any concerns with a colleague in your team that you trust.
Report bullying and harassment
We have a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of bullying, harassment, victimisation and discrimination.
The bullying and harassment policy makes it clear that our workplace supports and treats everyone:
- respectfully
- fairly
- equally.
It also outlines what is expected of you and others and covers all council employees, including schools that have adopted the policy.
Our dedicated bullying and harassment section includes:
- explanations of the different behaviour types
- how to raise an informal or formal complaint
- the appeal process
- how to raise a complaint against a senior manager, non-council employee or member of the public.
Your manager should support you through any reporting process.
Other support
Manager or HR business partner
If you need support with inclusion in your job, you should talk to your manager in the first instance. If you and your manager need specialist guidance and support, you can contact your HR business partner. If you are unsure who your HR business partner is, ask your manager or you can:
Organisational development and inclusion
The team can provide you with support and guidance relating to any equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) queries, questions or issues you may have. You can:
Staff networks and support groups
We have a number of staff networks and support groups to provide extra support in the workplace for anyone that may need it. They are developed by communities of staff that share equality, diversity and inclusion characteristics and offer peer support. The networks and groups allow you to speak openly and contribute as much or as little as you like and provide feedback.
Check out the networks we currently have and how to join or if you have an idea for a new network how you can raise a request to start one.
Wellbeing and inclusion rooms
At County Hall we have created three dedicated spaces to support your wellbeing and inclusion. These are available to use whenever you need them.
Wellbeing room
Our wellbeing room allows you to have a break in a dedicated quiet space whenever you need to take a bit of time out.
It is located in G block on the first floor, room number 56 (GF56).
Check our County Hall page and floor plans to locate the room.
Nurture room
We’re committed to support parents who choose to continue breastfeeding or chestfeeding after returning to work.
Our breastfeeding/chestfeeding guidance asks managers to be flexible, allowing reasonable paid time off for feeding or expressing milk.
To make this easier, we have a dedicated nurture room – a private, comfortable space with seating, a fridge, wipes and breast pads. It’s located in G Block, first floor, room 55 (GF55).
Check our County Hall page and floor plans to locate the room.
Multi-faith room
We celebrate diversity and want everyone to feel respected.
Our multi-faith room is open to all, whether you follow a religion or not and is a dedicated space for quiet reflection or prayer. It is located in G block on the ground, room number 14 (GG14).
Check our County Hall page and floor plans to locate the room.
If you’d like to find out more about faith at work read our understanding faith and belief in the workplace guidance.
Not based at County Hall?
We want you to feel supported at work. If you don’t work at County Hall but would like a similar space at your workplace, speak to your manager in the first instance. If they need help to find one, would like to make a request or require advice they can:
EDI forums
Since 2021, we have held a number of EDI forums. Each one focuses on a specific topic and is available for you to sign up to prior to the event. A variety of internal and external speakers attend our forums to give insight, background and specialist knowledge. At the live forums there is usually the opportunity for you to discuss any ideas or personal experiences during smaller group breakout sessions if you feel comfortable doing so.
Our forums are a key part of our people strategy.
Upcoming forums
Our next forum
Our next forum topic is about creating a culture of courage: allyship and authenticity and is to be held on Thursday 1 October, 10.30am to 12noon. More details about what will be covered will be announced nearer the forum date.
Future forums
We also have another forum later in the year. The topic for this forum is:
- Inclusive leadership - Tuesday 8 December, 11am to 12.30pm.
More information and details of how to register for this event will be available later in the year.
Previous forums
Use the directory below to find out more about the forums we've held and to catch up on any you may have missed.
Become a health and wellbeing champion
Health and wellbeing champions are volunteers who:
- have an enthusiasm and interest in health and wellbeing
- are approachable and helpful
- have a basic understanding of healthy lifestyles.
If you would like to support your colleagues in the workplace and inspire and support others to make positive lifestyle changes to maintain a good standard of wellbeing and live healthier lives, then becoming a champion is for you.