BLOG: About Three Rivers District Council's recent inclusion work

Inclusion and taking action to create inclusive workplaces could not be more important to this council, and over the past year there has been a wide variety of projects and events, focused on further cultivating an inclusive district.

To mark National Inclusion Week 2024 I have been looking at many of the positive steps the council has made.

The council established an Inclusion Working Group that has been meeting bi-monthly to address issues around equality and equity, and to foster inclusivity within the organisation and across the district for residents.

In February and May, the council participated in Race Equality Week and Deaf Awareness Week by circulating informative worksheets to staff and partner organisations. In March, we hosted a Community Fair in South Oxhey, offering residents health screenings, vaccinations, and wellness checks, along with family-friendly activities.

During Ramadan, our Community Liaison Officer Jay Williams participated in fasting to deepen his cultural understanding and raise awareness about the diverse customs within the district. You can read more about his experience here. During Passover, an internal piece interviewing Rabbi Aaron Goldstein from The Arc Synagogue in Northwood was circulated to council staff.

On Stephen Lawrence Day, in April, the council held a memorial event in collaboration with local organisations, followed by an “Open Dialogues” session which created a safe space for honest conversations on race and microaggressions.

Refugee Awareness Week in June spotlighted the work of local organisations supporting refugees and asylum seekers, highlighting the efforts of Watford & Three Rivers Refugee Partnership and Flourish, a project delivered by Herts Mind Network.

The Youth Council event in June showcased sustainability projects from nine local schools, giving students the opportunity to present and vote on winning initiatives.

In July, during Disability Pride Month, Jay Williams interviewed Alison Scott, the council’s Director of Finance, about her experiences with disability in the workplace. You can read the interview here.

For South Asian Heritage Month, a video featuring Communications Officer Suchita Naidu was shared, discussing how her cultural background influences her work. You can watch it here.

The council held another ”Open Dialogue” session on Roma and Sinti Holocaust Memorial Day in August, emphasising the importance of combating hatred and prejudice targeted at Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, understanding more about the traditions and heritage of these communities and exploring opportunities to improve services for them. This was organised in collaboration with GATE Herts who are a Hertfordshire based charity supporting Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Communities.

In August, a Pride flag-raising event and ”Open Dialogue” session with Herts Pride Society helped foster conversations about equality and LGBTQ+ inclusion. The council annually sponsors Herts Pride, and had a stand at the event.

Three Rivers District Council will this week hold a booked-out  Disability Confident event to promote inclusivity in the workplace through the recruitment and retention of staff with disabilities. The new Healthy Hub in Abbots Langley has also opened, providing residents with improved access to various council and housing support services.

These initiatives reflect Three Rivers District Council’s ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive community that we are proud to promote during National Inclusion Week.