National Inclusion Week 2019 at Cabinet Office

Monday 23 September marked the beginning of National Inclusion Week 2019. Created and run by Inclusive Employers, National Inclusion Week is an annual opportunity to raise awareness of inclusion in the workplace and celebrate diversity. The theme of this year’s National Inclusion Week was ‘Everyday Inclusion: Celebrate and Inspire’ which looks at the practical ways you can foster inclusion through day to day activities.

During National Inclusion Week 2019, 23-27 September, Cabinet Office Networks and HR joined forces to host a series of brilliant events. This included an event on Intersectionality, aimed at increasing awareness of the experiences of LGBT+ civil servants whose identities ‘intersect’ more than one protected characteristic, a panel discussion on disability action in the Cabinet Office and a Black History Month Development Session that featured three inspirational speakers: Jennette Arnold OBE, a coaching session from Dr Neslyn Druee-Watson and Civil Service Senior Leaders: Diane Caddle and Cheryl Avery.

Our Networks are run voluntarily by staff members. Networks offer help and support to civil servants and raise awareness of some of the barriers faced by our underrepresented groups. In cabinet office we have a brilliant range of active and supportive Networks, including Networks for LGBT+, Disability, Race Equality and Social Mobility

Networks and teams operated Marketplace stalls, providing opportunity for staff to get more involved in Networks and take a lead with their initiatives and goals. Each network had the opportunity to discuss their work with the Cabinet Office Permanent Secretary John Manzoni, who attended the Marketplace and was openly grateful to the Networks for the brilliant voluntary work they provide.