Welcome to the Autumn DiverCity Bulletin

The team here have been working on the development of a number of new projects and events and we look forward to bringing these to you over the coming months. We would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to the partners and clients who make our work possible and hope you get a flavour of their work in these bulletins.

Over the next few months you will see a range of work including: women returnees to work, Fair Cities, DiverCity clinic’s, popular events, the voice of Birmingham’s youth: a dvd resource produced in partnership with and for employers. Coming up in November the next annual DiverCity Survey.

 

New Chairman sought to head diversity work
 
The search is on to replace the chairman of Birmingham Professional DiverCity, who is to retire after completing two full terms in the role.

Norman Gascoigne has been at the head of the organisation – which helps the city’s professional services sector manage and value diversity – since it was created in 2002.  And now the organisation – based in the city centre – is beginning the process of replacing Mr Gascoigne, who steps down in 2008.

Birmingham Professional DiverCity provides a consultancy service to hundreds of companies in and around Birmingham to help them maximise their economic potential by achieving a diverse workforce at all levels.  Mr Gascoigne said that although much had been achieved in the past six years, much remained to be done. He said: “This is an exciting time for the organisation and this city, and as I step down there is a great opportunity for the new chairman to develop and enhance what has already been achieved.

“We have worked, and will continue to work, to ensure that the single greatest labour marketing skills challenge for this and the next generation – demographic change – is positively grasped by the professional and business services sector.”

Mr Gascoigne said that Birmingham Professional DiverCity had gone through two distinct phases – raising awareness of demographic change and encouraging businesses to change their approach, and then guiding the sector through what the changes meant to them.“As we developed, we strengthened our senior team and expanded our number of consultants. We are now at the stage where my replacement will oversee the organisation’s continued transition from being predominantly grant-funded to self sustaining commercial model suitable to serve the business and professional services sector in the years ahead.”

Mr Gascoigne added that success on a regional level meant that Birmingham Professional DiverCity was now in a position to build on this on a national stage.“My successor will have an ambassadorial role in as much as they will be speaking more and more to a national audience about what Birmingham has achieved and spreading the word about the great work being done here. We are one of the most diverse cities in the world and that offers opportunity, choice and innovation to businesses and consumers – we as a city are leading the way in making the most of that.”

Birmingham Professional DiverCity board member Karl George said Mr Gascoigne had brought “robust and creative” leadership to the organisation. “There has always been a moral case for dealing with diversity, but there is also a compelling business imperative where we can all benefit from the demographic changes in our city,” he said. “The organisation has benefited from a chairman who understands this theme, and needs someone to continue to be an ambassador for the sector whilst understanding that there is a commercially viable business case.“I am happy to have been involved since the inception with an organisation which is now looking to make itself self-sustainable and which is leading from the front on these crucial issues regionally and nationally.”

Applications should be made in writing  for the chairman’s role by 15 November 2007
c/o Sangeeta Chauhan, Birmingham Professional Divercity, Cornwall Buildings, 45-51 Newhall Street, Birmingham B3 3QR.
For recruitment pack information email Sangeeta@birminghamdivercity.co.uk or call 0121 222 4115
 
   
 
Important news in the future direction of equalities

On October 1st three equalities commissions merge into the single Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). We thought that you would like to know what the consultation here in Birmingham earlier in the year concluded. The events, held across the UK gave participants the chance to give their views on what they saw as key opportunities and challenges for the EHRC in their areas. The feedback from these events will be used as part of the briefing for the incoming Chair and Commissioners of the EHRC. Invited delegates were asked: What do you see as the top three issues most affecting Birmingham in relation to equalities and human rights that the EHRC should be aware of when planning its regional arrangements?

In the first instance the issues affecting the region were discussed and these included the following:

  • That the growing multi-cultural population in West Midlands means that Birmingham is set to be one of the first UK cities with an ethnic minority majority within the next decade

    That there is a real need to achieve social change including closing the gaps in gender equality, the representation of BME communities in the workplace and addressing hate crime

    The lack of provision for certain groups such as trans-gender and sexual orientation

    The need to focus on social regeneration as well as economic regeneration
  • The legacy of previous Commissions and perceptions of stakeholders
    Read more

 

 

Endorsement of DiverCity by UKITA 

The UK IT Association (UKita) are glad to announce they have taken the DiverCity Pledge.  The Pledge has helped to secure a recent successful partnership opportunity, with Wolverhampton University, allowing their members to draw down unmatched Government funding to deliver e-adoption solutions in the Tourist & Leisure Industry.  UKita are a not for profit membership association and are pleased to recommend to companies that they take the opportunity to follow their lead, the DiverCity Pledge is widely accepted as a first step towards good practice, particularly in the Public Sector, where the UKita Public Sector Gateway allows members to be informed about access to Local Government.
Take the pledge
   



Shoosmiths: Committed to Best Practice in Recruitment 
   

Shoosmiths’ commitment to the diversity of its workforce was affirmed by the first survey of its kind undertaken by the Black Solicitors' Network (BSN) which measured diversity in the top 100 law firms; Shoosmiths topped this league table.  “Taking all diversity classifications into account; ethnic minority (Asian, Black, Mixed and Chinese) and gender, across four different categories (partners, associates, trainees and paralegals), Shoosmiths emerged as the top ranking firm within the UK 100. They out-performed the competition in relation to their employment of female staff, ranking in first position for female paralegals and third position for the number of female partners and associates.” Louise Hadland, Shoosmiths’ Director of HR commented: "This survey completely endorses what we already knew:  that Shoosmiths is different and better because of the superb mix of people who work here.''
Read more
 
 
 
 
Welcome to new partner - IODA
     
Ioda, leader in the field of equalities. Ioda specialises in dovetailing diversity with good leadership and management and has successfully delivered a range of training events in partnership with Birmingham Professional DiverCity.
 
Lisa Reynolds, Head of Diversity at Ioda is working very closely with the team to ensure any training and support provided to members of the Financial and Recruiting Sectors fully meets their exacting standards.
 
Lisa who is very clear on the benefits of embracing diversity within the commercial world says, “For too long training has focussed on the negative issues of bad practice and discrimination, we believe that understanding the positive outcomes and how to achieve them should be our focus – success breeds success”. To support this aim, Ioda are constantly growing and developing their portfolio of experience to ensure they fully understand their clients’ needs. One example involves their work with the States of Jersey Government. They currently provide an integrated management development programme where they deliver training on good governance, including equality as well as financial management and recruitment as part of the overall training programme.
 
Sally Dale, Ioda’s finance director was instrumental in the design and successful delivery of the financial element of the programme, said “our core business is Diversity and we believe its benefits can be integrated as a golden thread into all training and lead to measurable outcomes. This has been very well received by the States of Jersey and has helped us understand our other financial sector clients needs just that little bit more”.
 
 
 
 
Diversity Assured Recruitment   (DAR)
 
 
 New logo and Diversity Assured Certificate has now been approved by the REC and Birmingham Professional DiverCity, this will support the new accreditation standard for recruitment agencies to achieve best practice in the recruitment service industry.  

          

Diversity in the Global Market Place   An American Perspective -  25th October 2007
Lunch time event followed by networking opportunities

Kindly hosted by: Eversheds, 115 Colmore Row, Birmingham, B3 3AL 

The trend of global mergers and acquisitions has created a complex trail of ownership and staff cultures.   This combined ethnic and cultural diversity locally has created a potentially rich workforce.

  • What are the requirements and opportunities for business in this environment?
  • What does diversity mean in the US vs. the UK?
  • How can businesses leverage a diverse workforce to strengthen their business?
  • What pitfalls should companies be aware of as they operate?
  • What will the future hold for international corporations relative to diversity?
    To book your place
     
 

British Asian Hafta (week) - 27 October to 9 November 2007

British Asian Hafta promises to showcase the achievements of the country’s Asian community, with a number of activities taking place from 27 October  to 9 November 2007. British Asian Hafta has been launched under Women of Cultures whose core aim is to empower women of minority communities, giving leadership skills along with direction to overcome any issues, concerns or problems they may face both in their professional and personal lives.  Ultimately Women of Cultures aims to direct these women in becoming model citizens of Britain.  To kick start the week-long celebrations join us at the launch evening of glitz; glamour, entertainment and awards, on 28 October at the ICC.  Among the six awards are Most Diverse Company; Male and Female Category for Best Employee; Male and Female Category for Best Employer; and the Pioneer Award.  
 

Face of British Asian Hafta 
Do you fancy being the star of the show for one night? This just may well be your chance!  British Asian Hafta is set to make a huge mark in Birmingham and West Midlands Region.  As part of this success, we are looking for a unique person to be the face of the British Asian Hafta. If you think you stand out from the crowd and have that extra something, then why not put yourself forward for this once in a lifetime experience? 

As an ambassador of British Asian Hafta, the winner will have a professional expert makeover and be treated like royalty on the night of the awards and launch of Hafta. There are absolutely no age barriers in applying, from putting little babies forward to grandparents!  - please foward all enquiries to 0845 450 7104.
Read more
    

REC West Midlands stages second major recruitment conference - 1 November 2007
   

This year’s conference on Thursday 1 November 2007  at the Holiday Inn in Queensway, Birmingham features the Divercity Annual Lecture - with guest speaker, David Cragg from Learning & Skills Council.
 
The all day event will explore the Future of the UK Labour Market focusing on the issues being brought about by an ever-changing working environment, where skills shortages and a shift in demographics present opportunities and challenges to all involved with recruitment.  
Read more
 
 
Aston Villa Recruitment Fayre - 7 November 2007 - Free Event 10.00am - 6.00pm

ASTON Villa FC football are proud to be the official sponsors of a recruitment fayre. The event will unite and work alongside the Eastern Media Group, which prints two national newspapers, The Sikh Times and the Eastern Voice. The event will host a number of major recruitment organisations providing people from all communities to talk through their options and seek careers advice. Promotion and invitation will be throughout local schools, colleges and universities in the West Midlands area.  Aston Villa FC as official sponsors seek to continue to build more relationships with diverse communities by breaking barriers in football as well as between fans to reflect unity between groups on and off the pitch. Recent news coverage reports suggest that there are not enough British Asians on the pitch. Aston Villa hopes their involvement will strengthen the links with Birmingham and encourage more eager and enthusiastic footballers to get involved. In the past Aston Villa FC  has invited players from the Khalsa Youth Project to train at its academy, and has used its professional coaches to help develop the football skills of many budding young football players. Anyone interested in exhibiting their recruitment stands please contact amardeep@easternmediagroup.co.uk or call 0121 523 0115.
 
 
From  WESTMINISTER To Birmingham -  8 November 2007
Lunch time event with networking opportunities

This event is kindly hosted by: BARCLAYS WEALTH    1 Colmore Square, Birmingham B4 6ES 

Presenting Andrew Mitchell
Member of Parliament for Sutton Coldfield, & Shadow Secretary of State for International Development

This is your opportunity to get this latest update from Westminister and how Government action and Tory policy is impacting on our Professional Services Sector and your lives here in Birmingham.   More importantly this is your opportunity to communicate through our local minister what is important to you. We are particularly interested in hearing how you think the rapidly changing demography, will impact on this Region, the City and the Financial and Professional Services Sector. 
To book your place
 
 
Talking about the new generation - ‘Generation Y’ and how to attract them to your organisation

We’ve all heard of ‘Generation X’, those born in the sixties and seventies. However, the latest generation rising through the ranks have been deemed ‘Generation Y’. Born after 1980, this group of people is now reaching maturity, getting degrees and are looking for jobs. What’s more, this group is reflecting a society that is growing ever more diverse. Generation Y are speaking more languages, mixing with more cultures and demonstrating a larger variety of skills than ever before! Recruitment gurus are speaking out in praise of this generation and are recognising the demand for them in the workplace. Businesses are beginning to alter their recruitment and retention strategies to compete for these golden employees.
Call the Graduate Advantage team on 0121 204 4767or email enquiries@graduateadvantage.co.uk for more information.
Read more
 
 
 
“Why in a small lift is there a mirror at the back that goes from the ceiling halfway down,
but not all the way to the floor?”
Article kindly contributed by David Deegan, Academee Diversity Consultant
This is just one of the questions in the Academee Learning out of the Box
Read more
 
 
 Notice Board:
 
The Vine Publication  - request contributions for future publications 
More information on how to contribute
 
 
  
Birmingham Best Business Awards 2007
For the development of Work Life Balance - closing date is 26 October 2007
For more information and application form
  
 
 
Applications are being invited for the next intake for the
 International Citizenship course at the College for International Citizenship (CIC).
Article kindly contributed by Benjamin Zephaniah, Patron of the CIC
 
The College for International Citizenship (CIC) draws people from across the world who want to understand the reasons for global conflict and the means by which people from different sectors of the world might come together to reach a common understanding. The college is located within the new state-of-the-art Matthew Boulton College for Further & Higher Education in Birmingham city centre, where students can access first-rate technical & educational facilities.
For more information

 

Education Business Links  
 
Through strategic planning, hands-on delivery and brokerage we bring educators, business and young people together to maximise the full potential of our community.  We are looking for volunteers from business that can use their experiences to lead and influence young people of all ages. Education Business Links have a wide range of opportunities to suit all needs and we ensure that all new partnerships between schools and business are supported. There is no charge for engaging in these activities.
 
Businesses benefit from:
  • Raising the company profile through publicity and engaging with the local community.
  • Staff development: providing all team members – irrespective of role or status- with the opportunity to develop a range of skills including leadership, teamwork, presentation, coaching and self confidence.
  • Personal satisfaction – knowing you and your organisation have contributed to the development of our future workforce.
  • Implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility plans.

  • Please forward all enquiried to Lisa Snow on 0121 248 8210.

For more details of planned activities

 
 
Welcome to new Birmingham Professional DiverCity Pledges organisations

Wise Employment
Careplan Specialist Services
Backstop Support Ltd
Morgan Spencer Ltd
Remedy Medical Solutions
Blue Arrow Purchase
Sanctuary Personnel
Volante Hobbs
Diversity Market Place
Clinford Ltd
Fawkes & Reece

Contract Support Services
Serving The Nation
BPO Staffing Sol
Insititute of Public Finance Ltd
Morgan Hunt Temp
Housing Executive
Breslin Nursing Bureau Ltd
M R Associates
Personnel & Care Bank
Bevan Brittan
Perfect People Recruitment
Partners Employment
Review Contracts
Danluker Ltd
Globetec Solutions
Sugarman Medical
Diversity Dimensions
Staff Wise
Goldteam Recruitment Ltd
Excel Staff Ltd
Osbourne Richardson
Clarkes Certified Accountants
Catalyst Lendlease
 
Want to contribute to future e-bulletins?
Inform our clients and partners about your activities, share your good practice and highlight experiences where you have made successful improvements to your organisation -  email your article to Julie@birminghamdivercity.co.uk
 
"Working to encourage and facilitate professional services businesses in maximising economic potential by successfully achieving and managing a truly diverse workforce at all levels"