UP(date) Inclusion and Representation

Simple Cypher

The Inclusion and Representation Working Group met for the first time last week.

It is acknowledged that this is a huge area across a range of protected characteristics with a much broader need for care in defining actions and outcomes than, for example, health and safety which is driven by procedure.

This initial meeting made a start at identifying where the gaps are, who is doing what, what actions have been successful and what does success look like across a complex set of needs.

Twenty one people attended the meeting which began with reflections on a short survey sent to each person present. These included:

• Examples of actions towards inclusivity for ethnically diverse people, disabled people and gender diversity. Most of the actions were project based and time limited. Some companies were highlighted for the sustained work they are doing. But on the whole activity, from the examples gathered, is ad hoc and unconnected.

• People were concerned about saying the wrong thing.

• There is an issue around capacity to do work around anti-discriminatory action and the understanding of how to address discrimination.

The group set out a framework for how it will have effective dialogue. This will exist as a live document, reviewed at each meeting.

The group identified the need for more information; an activity map within circus and other sectors, that could give the group a framework to stimulate conversations.

Authored by Vick Amedume