Staff spotlight equalities special

Manchester City Council sent this bulletin at 30-09-2022 03:54 PM BST

Welcome to this month’s Equalities Special. We want to ensure that everyone is seen, heard and feels included in the work we do, and supported to be at their best. Since launching the fifth Our Manchester behaviour, ‘We show that we value our differences and treat people fairly’,more new schemes, networks and activities have been supporting staff. Thanks to all our colleagues who have sent in their stories, and well done on your achievements. If you have a story to tell, contact internalcomms@manchester.gov.uk

Leadership Pathway Programme

Back again this autumn, this programme supports our Black, Asian and minority ethnic staff to build on their existing skills and capabilities. Launched in 2021 as an outcome of the Race Review, it provides staff with experience and work at a more senior level to their current grade. Find out more and hear from some of our recent graduates about how the programme helped them develop in their roles.

Kemi-Louise Omoboye

Business Analyst

“As part of the programme, I became a mentor and have begun to build networks, gaining invaluable experience.” Read more about Kemi's experience on the Hive.

Jeremiah Hunt

Programme Development Officer

“I realised that if I wanted to inspire change in the Council, I needed to be part of that change.” Read the rest of Jeremiah's story on the Hive.

Celebrating you

Data Adamia

Digital Inclusion Officer

Data started within the Digital Inclusion team in April, as part of the Government's Kickstart scheme to get unemployed 19 to 24-year-olds into work placements. When a team member left, he applied for the role, and due to his hard work and commitment, he got the job! Find out more about Data’s ambitions and his proudest moment in the role so far.

Atul Ramanuj

M-Four's Translations Service Manager

This year, Atul Ramanuj, M-Four's Translations Service Manager, marked 30 years leading a service that provides valuable language support for our residents. Aside from the achievements of his team, Atul is likely to be one of the few who can speak four languages, swear in 25 (which he will deny!) and still have their very first office chair! Read more.

Donna makes the Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards finals!

Donna Mack, a Social Care Assessor, is celebrating reaching the final of the Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards: “I am very humbled and honoured to be a finalist and to be short-listed for this award. I’m proud to represent Manchester City Council and Manchester Met, as both have supported me throughout my apprenticeship journey.” Read more about Donna’s achievement.

Black History Month awareness and celebrations

Equality is one of the Council’s top priorities, and while we celebrate our diversity all year round, Black History Month is extra special. For more than 35 years, activities during October have been raising awareness of inequality and the actions to be taken. October is also a time to celebrate our rich Black heritage and share stories of progress to inspire people to keep pushing the agenda to break down barriers and stamp out racism. Look out for stories and activities you can take part in. If you have a story to tell, contact internalcomms@manchester.gov.uk

Our equality staff networks

Learn more about the equality networks on offer to you and how you can get invovled.

Race Equality Network

This group aims to allow Black, Asian and minority ethnic Council staff to share their experiences, empower staff, provide support for one another, and network. We feature some of the members’ stories. To learn more about our Race Equality Network and how you can get involved, visit the intranet.

Disabled staff group

We’re always looking to engage people in our work and bring new members into our group; becoming involved is a great way to connect with other people, develop new skills and contribute to making a difference. If you’re passionate about disability equality and want to get involved in our work, learn more.

LGBTQ+ group

The group is always happy to engage people in their work and welcome new members. This month, members – along with officers from the South Neighbourhood Teams – supported Didsbury Pride and worked together to bring the climate-change conversation to life. Read more.

Women's Equality Network

This group was launched a few years ago, and Carolyn Atherton, Senior Quality Assurance Officer, explains how the network champions women, inspires change and has introduced a new buddy system for added support. Find out more information and how you can join the group.

Mental Health Support Group

Launched in 2020, the group was created to enable colleagues to share their experiences and gain some additional support to help improve their mental health. Ruth Burnham, Compliance Support Officer, shares her story to help colleagues feel more comfortable about talking about mental health. Read more.

Menopause Support Group

This group, created following the launch of the Council’s new menopause policy, helps to support women at work. Laura Mcintosh, Resources and Programmes Officer, tells us why she felt it was important to set up this group. You can watch the latest videos from the group and find out how to join on the intranet.

New networks on the horizon

Young Persons Network

Zoe Langmead, Graduate Management Trainee, and Lydia Stroud, Graduate Management Trainee, are inviting colleagues aged 16–30 to join the newly created Young Persons Network. Watch their video to understand more about the aims of the network and how to get involved.

Over-50s network group

Coming soon, this group will include social meetings, support, and generally chatting about all aspects of what life brings in your 50s and later years. All over-50s will be welcome! Contact Hadrian Lister at hadrian.lister@manchester.gov.uk for more information.

Neurodiversity network

We want to build support for colleagues who consider themselves to be neurodivergent (autistic, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia or any other neurodivergence). There is an opportunity to help design the group. Its aims are to influence change, provide support, and bring colleagues together. Find out more.

UN International Day of Older Persons

It’s the UN’s International Day of Older Persons on 1 October, and this year's theme is a celebration of resilience and contributions that older women make in our society. Find out more on the Hive. Who inspires you? Let us know. Email internalcomms@manchester.gov.uk

CIHT National Awards 2022 EDI Category

The Highways Access Group have been successful in the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation National Awards 2022, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Category. Congratulations to the whole team for this amazing achievement. Read more about the team's success and what the judging panel said about their work.