Giving a voice to the minority groups across the East Riding and making sure everyone matters is the aim of new equalities, diversity and inclusion champion, Councillor Jacob Birch.
Councillor Birch was given the role after Councillor Jonathan Owen became leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council earlier this year and made equality, diversity and inclusion one of his priorities.
In his new role, which is the first of its kind at the council, Councillor Birch will also chair the East Riding Equalities Network, which will include partners from other public sector organisations as well as the voluntary sector to ensure voices are heard.
While equality, diversity and inclusion can be associated with the LGBT+ groups, Councillor Birch said he also wants to reach out to other minority groups in the East Riding as well as working with the council to ensure equality, diversity and inclusion is reflected in their policies.
Councillor Birch said:
“If we want to make the East Riding one of the best places to live and work we need to embrace equality, diversity and inclusion so everyone feels like they matter and are included.
“Equality, diversity and inclusivity are areas that I am passionate about and in my new role as champion, I’m looking forward to working with residents and stakeholders to bring forward an agenda that not only delivers on the council’s statutory responsibilities but also delivers on our corporate priorities as well as those of our residents.
“The council works hard towards meeting its statutory requirements when it comes to equality, diversity and inclusion but my aim is for the council to go beyond that both as an employer and a service provider.
“The council is already doing lots of work which is enlightening and refreshing to see and by chairing the East Riding Equalities Network, it will allow the public and voluntary sector to share ideas and best practices to help improve the services we offer to those minority groups we will be championing.”
