Equality , Diversity and Inclusion

Our Approach to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As an inclusive employer that celebrates and values the equality and diversity of our staff and our borough, we pride ourselves on being a welcoming, enterprising and people-focused place to work. London Borough of Sutton and the Royal Borough of Kingston have been recognised for our commitment to being an inclusive employer, being proud winners of:

• Best Inclusion and Diversity Programme 2023 and Best Candidate Experience 2024 - the PPMA (Public Services People Managers Association)
• Workforce Transformation 2022 by the MJ Awards and Commended Finalists for the Workforce Optimisation Award 2024‍
• ‍Race Equality Matters Silver Trailblazer Status

We understand the value of difference and recognise the benefits that a diverse workforce can bring in the ways in which we serve our communities. As an employer, we welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds, and particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates, candidates with a disability, people with care experience (for example, care leavers), and those with caring responsibilities 

We are proud to be recognised as a Disability Confident Employer. As part of our Disability Confident Committed status, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum/essential criteria for the role. We are committed to thinking differently about disability and taking positive action to improve how we recruit, retain and develop people with disabilities. 

We are committed to promoting an inclusive environment for neurodiversity in our organisation and welcome applications from people who are neurodiverse. At Sutton and Kingston, we focus on the strengths that neurodiversity brings to the workplace and will provide appropriate workplace support to any of our employees who need it.

London Borough of Sutton became one of the first London councils to recognise Care Experienced as a localised protected characteristic. As part of our refreshed outlook towards how we support our care experienced residents, we adopted an ‘A-B’C’ employability approach focused around the following priorities: 

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• accessing Work Readiness and Employability Skills 
• building Future Careers and Gaining Experience
• championing Apprenticeship Accessibility and Recruitment Reassessment

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If you are a care- experienced Sutton resident, please contact your Personal Advisor (PA) about participating in our council’s activities to support our care experienced residents and ask them to get in touch, or contact our team directly through learning.engagement@kingston.gov.uk.

The demographics of Sutton are changing, and we need a workforce which reflects the diverse communities we serve, whilst supporting our staff to be the best that they can be at work. We know our people are our greatest asset and are working hard to ensure all our staff feel listened to and supported to flourish and develop in their careers.  For key highlights of our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion agenda, view our Equalities Workforce Report and our Strategic Needs Assessment for information about the changing demographics of our borough.

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Our Staff Networks

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Our staff networks give staff the opportunity to be a voice for positive change, to find support from peers, and to connect with colleagues across the Council. We actively work with our staff networks to continually improve our approaches, valuing their insight. These groups support our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion agenda and our P.R.I.D.E values.

Sutton Council’s staff networks are open to all staff, whether you directly associate with the group or are an ally. They offer colleagues a supportive environment in which to raise concerns and work together for positive change. Our staff networks are vital in helping to shape the culture and behaviours of our organisation by tapping into the energy and experience of staff from across the Council.

All staff at LBS are welcome to take part in these fully inclusive networks. For more information on our approach to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, email the Resourcing Team on recruitment@sutton.gov.uk.