Gloom, doom and misery is easy!

Equality Works has just committed to being lead sponsor of the Local Government Chronicle (LGC) conference on equalities and diversity (Achieving Equalities in Partnership) on the 17th and 18th March 2010. We have many reasons for being involved, but a main one is that it seems to me that now is the time to ensure that those interested in addressing inequalities in pragmatic and business like ways create opportunities to share good practice and find ways of taking action - even when budgets are being squeezed and the economic and political plates are moving. Gloom, doom and misery is easy. Finding solutions, no matter how challenging the constraints, is important and exciting because it means we have to be even more creative than usual.

If you are interested in attending the conference then please contact us for more information, including how you can be eligible for a discounted delegate rate. The focus of the conference is on local government, but the agenda is just as relevant for other public and not-for-profit organisations.

Equality Works is very focused on the business case for equalities and diversity and a lot of our current activity reflects our partnership working with clients. We are working with global companies to ensure they are well placed to win public sector contracts and gain real business benefits by recruiting from the widest possible pool. We are also working alongside organisations which are restructuring to ensure it is done well and fairly, and that those who remain are able to manage the change effectively. In addition to this, we are helping Boards in the NHS think through how they can ensure they are more than just compliant in relation to equalities. It never ceases to surprise me how much good practice there is and we are lucky to be working with some of the best organisations.

Finally, to confirm that it's not just us rejecting the easy option, I'd like to say thank you to some of our clients who, at our recent annual client party, were able to be describe how they are successfully meeting their equalities challenges with drive and optimism. The Charities Commission, East Thames Group and London Probation are all shining examples of how a positive commitment to equalities and finding creative solutions can make real differences to organisations. 

Jane Farrell, Chief Executive Officer