Staff groups

Our city is known and loved for its diversity. The council is committed to developing and retaining a flexible and sustainable workforce that is representative of the diverse communities that we serve. We strive to build an inclusive workplace and culture where all our employees feel valued as part of our work as an inclusive employer.

These self organising groups, set up in October 2001, were officially launched by the council in February 2003 (aside from the Women's Network, established in 2012). Each Forum meets quarterly for members to share experiences, provide mutual support, raise awareness on the effects of discrimination and have a collective voice in the council in terms of developing best practice in policy, procedures and service delivery.

The council supports and encourages workers at all levels in the organisation to join the forums and encourages managers to release staff from normal activities, where possible, to enable them to attend forum meetings and activities and/or be a member of a forum steering group.