Equality, diversity and inclusion annual report 2021/22

Annual report from April 2021 to March 2022

Download a PDF version of our Annual Report 2021/22 [PDF,1.21MB].

In May 2021, the newly formed Buckinghamshire Council published its Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Framework which set out our commitment to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion for our workforce.

Building on a series of discussions and forums led by our EDI staff networks, the framework set out 5 priorities that we wanted to tackle together:

  • a better understanding of the diversity profile of the workforce via data collection improvements.
  • increased participation in the staff networks
  • an increase in the diversity of the workforce
  • staff with disabilities and staff who are carers feeling supported at work
  • employees across the organisation feeling a strong sense of belonging

Action Plan 2021/22

Our EDI action plan for 2021/2022 focused on 4 areas:

  • developing organisational knowledge and awareness of equalities, diversity and inclusion
  • reviewing recruitment and development practices
  • reviewing working practices
  • understanding our workforce diversity profile

This report summaries the progress we have delivered against these actions during 2021/22, with particular thanks to staff in our networks who have volunteered their time and energy to move us forward as an organisation.

Outcomes

During April 2021 to March 2022 we have completed the following deliverables as we have moved forward through the year, establishing and embedding our culture change position and making progress on our achievement aims:

Conclusions

We have made great progress in 2021/22, and established some new approaches that should become core to the way that the Council works moving forward.

As we move into 2022 to 2023, we are looking to build upon these achievements.

Our new action plan and framework will drive the next stage of developments in partnership with the staff networks and the EDI steering group. It will seek to further establish our organisation as a place where staff from all backgrounds and cultures want to work and grow.

Our focus is on maintaining pace, recognising the importance of culture and continuing to drive and embed the values we have been shaping.