A new group of Doncaster Chamber staff and board members has formed to foster conversation and action on issues around equality, diversity and inclusion. The group comprises of representatives from the Chamber’s board members and staff and is currently seeking 4 additional independent representatives from the Chamber’s community of members.
The role of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Group is to ensure that the Chamber’s values are embedded throughout its activities and that the organisation is fully inclusive of the business communities that it is here to serve.
Chaired by Age UK Doncaster Chief Executive Heather Boyce, the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Group champions its mission by developing strategy, monitoring equality and diversity matters across the Chamber, evaluating action and progress made in key areas of business activity across the organisation and providing support and guidance for the Chamber’s ongoing equality and diversity plans.
Members of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion group have been involved with developing objectives that are grouped into three strategic themes:
- People – embedding diversity into the workforce and governance to improve the performance of the organisation.
- Membership – improving the representation, progression and success of businesses from all of Doncaster’s communities and addressing business challenges and inequalities that are specific to certain communities.
- Activity – improving the accessibility and availability of service that the Chamber provides, including work undertaken in the education sector by Opportunities Doncaster; ensuring events and business support services are accessible and inclusive.
Heather Boyce said: “Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental in ensuring everyone can reach their full potential and enable them to participate fully in all areas of life. This is not just about making Doncaster a fairer place but also a stronger place in which everyone is able to thrive.
“The Chamber has made a bold decision to hold a mirror up to scrutinise all aspects of its work in the light of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in order to make practical, meaningful changes. I have every confidence that the working group made up of diverse staff, directors and Chamber members will help to drive the changes that will make the Chamber a beacon of good practice.”
The group will draw from lived experiences as it develops new strategies.
Vice-Chair Jay Grant said: “The focus of the group is something I am passionate about. I believe my personal experiences regarding this will help the group and the way we plan to enhance our services as an organisation. The group is full of very knowledgeable people who think in unique ways that can create a change and contribute to the Chamber’s mission.
“I am really looking forward to working with everyone who will be joining the group so we can create change for the Chamber’s future endeavours.”
The Chamber is looking for volunteers from its member business community to join its Equality, Diversity and Inclusion group to help guide and develop strategies to address related issues across the organisation and its key areas of business activity. If you are interested in this position, please contact Heather Boyce at heather.boyce@ageukdoncaster.org.uk to arrange a conversation.
