Worcestershire businesses are being asked to embark on a transformative journey to promote and increase inclusive workplaces, thanks to a series of events launched by INclusive Worcestershire.
The collaborative initiative, led by Worcestershire County Council, Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, and Worcestershire Growth Hub, will host a series of seminars designed to champion inclusive employment practices and to challenge perceptions. Local businesses leaders are being encouraged to sign up for a free place at each event and seize the opportunity to gain valuable insights and strategies from leading experts, that can be implemented in their own workforce.
These highly beneficial seminars, hosted at Worcestershire County Cricket Club, will delve into crucial topics such as Inclusive Leadership (16th October 2023), Supporting Neurodiversity in the Workplace (7th December 2023), Inspire & Grow Diverse Talent (17th January 2024), and Workplace Wellbeing (13th March 2024).
Judy Gibbs, Head of Skills and Investment at Worcestershire County Council and Director of Skills for Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, “We were absolutely thrilled by the overwhelming success of our INclusive Worcestershire Employment Conference earlier this year at the Cricket Club. It was a true testament to the commitment and enthusiasm of local businesses to create inclusive workplaces. Now, we are excited to launch these new seminars to continue that journey, together. They will offer a unique and invaluable opportunity for employers to uncover essential insights and strategies, with expert guest speakers and the chance to share best practice with other local companies.
“These seminars aren’t just about gaining knowledge though; they are about making a real difference. Our aim is to drive tangible, positive change across Worcestershire and embrace and develop diversity in our workforce. We all have the power to shape an exciting future for the county, and to open opportunities to people with untapped skills that may otherwise miss out on positive employment. Embracing inclusive workforce practices will allow business leaders to tap into that skills potential and these seminars will, I hope, empower, and inspire!”
Gary Woodman, Chief Executive of Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, emphasized the importance of local businesses actively getting involved. “Building on the success of our INclusive Worcestershire Employment Conference earlier this year, we are excited to offer these free events to Worcestershire businesses. These events will allow employers to learn from guest speakers, best practices, and connect with local companies.
“We need to ensure that Worcestershire remains a thriving and prosperous region and these free events will allow the business community to understand inclusivity and how it can help them create their future workforce. I encourage as many Worcestershire businesses as possible to pledge their support, and sign up to the events.”
Part of INclusive Worcestershire’s pledge is to drive positive change in the local business community through a series of dedicated workstreams. Among these are the NDTi Internship Works Scheme, with a mission to double Supported Internship placements across the region, and Employment Disability and Accessibility awareness to equip businesses with the tools and knowledge necessary for fostering inclusive employment and retention.