Businesses and organisations from across Bristol have joined together to launch the city’s first collective agreement to promote the values of equality, diversity and inclusion.
The Bristol Equality Charter was launched at M Shed on Monday with original signatories and supporting organisations gathered to show their commitment to promoting these values.
The charter, a set of pledges to support creating a fairer, safer, accessible and inclusive city, encourages both individuals and organisations to sign up.
Speaking at the launch, Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees said: “One of Bristol’s greatest strengths is the diversity of our city. That diversity brings with it a variety of approaches to life, insights and creative thought.
“This diversity also raises different challenges and needs that need to be met and this charter is a positive step forward. By bringing individuals and organisations together to work towards shared values we will unlock opportunities for people across the city and ensure the Bristol we are building is a place where everyone can share in its success.”
Richard Bonner, City Executive for Bristol at global building consultancy group Arcadis, said: “Putting our people first is a core part of our strategy at Arcadis. We believe that when our people can be themselves at work we create a more inclusive and dynamic environment where people are happier, more creative and more productive.
“The Bristol Equality Charter puts this into practice and we are delighted to be a founding partner. The charter has brought together a coalition of private, public and voluntary sector organisations committed to improving both the working and personal lives of people in Bristol by going beyond legislation and personal gain to ensure equality is promoted everywhere in the city.”
Heather Cooper, chief people officer at Bristol-headquartered investment group Hargreaves Lansdown added: “Hargreaves Lansdown is proud to be one of the first signatories of the Bristol Equality Charter and we wholeheartedly share its ambitions. We want Bristol to be a place where people can be themselves and be the best that they can be, with equal opportunities for all. The Equality Charter is a great example of collaborative working toward a common goal and we are delighted to play our part.”
Led by the Bristol Equality Charter Working Group, the charter has been co-produced by a number of private, public and voluntary sector organisations. The development of the charter has led to the formation of a new Bristol Equality Network.
This is a group of individuals responsible for equalities within their organisations. The network will meet regularly to support new organisations who sign up to the charter, as well as support sharing information and good practice.
Anyone can sign up to the principles of the Bristol Equality Charter for free – including citizens and any type of organisation.
Signing the charter is a voluntary action to promote and work towards equality in Bristol. Organisations are free to set their own specific priorities and goals for improvement – it is not an accreditation scheme or an award system.
Organisations wanting to sign up to the charter should visit www.bristol.gov.uk/bristolequalitycharter
