Sutton Council shortlisted for inclusion and diversity award

Sutton Council’s work on equality, diversity and inclusion has been recognised and shortlisted for an award by the Public Services People Managers Association (PPMA).

Representatives of the Council will attend the ‘Excellence in People Management’ Awards in April this year, hoping to pick up the award for “Best Inclusion and Diversity Programme/Initiative”.

The nomination follows equality, diversity and inclusion work at the Council led by the Shared Human Resources and Organisational Development service.This has been delivered in collaboration across colleagues in both Sutton and Kingston, staff networks and the voluntary and community sector.

Work within the Council over the last year has included programmes focusing on race, gender and disability equality - including mandatory learning for all staff, a review of recruitment practises and guides on inclusivity. 

The Council also offers a “Reverse Mentoring” programme, in which senior leaders at the Council are linked with a mentor, who shares their lived experience both personally and in the workplace. The initiative has been described as “incredibly worthwhile” and “a great chance to be able to speak about challenging issues”. 

Helen Bailey, Chief Executive said: “ I am so proud of the work that this Council is doing to make Sutton the best possible working environment for everyone.  This nomination recognises not only the hard work of our HR and OD colleagues but the fantastic support and cooperation of our Staff networks, sponsors and the support of the community we serve.  I am looking forward to congratulating them all.”