Inspirational speakers launch council’s black and minority ethnic network
Warwickshire’s Deputy Director of Local Policing and the Mayor of Rugby launched a brand new support network for black and minority ethnic employees of Warwickshire County Council on Wednesday (3rd February).
Superintendent Mak Chisty, who has worked his way up the ranks of Warwickshire Police since joining the force over 20 years ago and is a member of the National Black Police Association (NBPA), and Councillor Kam Kaur, who was elected Mayor of Rugby in May 2009, both spoke at the launch of the county council’s BME (black and minority ethnic) staff network.
The BME network was launched as part of Warwickshire County Council’s continued commitment to promoting equal opportunities and valuing diversity in their employees. The county council networks are also open to other Warwickshire public sector agencies.
The county council already has two established staff networks for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) employees and disabled employees.
Councillor Heather Timms, Portfolio Holder for Customers, Workforce & Partnerships, said: “We’re delighted that Mayor Kaur and Superintendent Chisty spoke to staff about their own inspirational experiences at the launch.
“It is our intention that this new network will have a positive influence on the council’s policies, practices and career development of the county council’s black and minority ethnic employees.”
These views were echoed by the council’s leader, Cllr Alan Farnell, who said: “Warwickshire will become an ever more diverse county in the coming generations with more of its workforce coming from a black or minority ethnic background. I’m delighted that the county council’s network will help to create a positive environment in the workplace for black or ethnic staff, not just at the county council but across Warwickshire.”