Workplace prejudice in focus for group

Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce has established the new Diversity and Inclusion Group to help businesses play their part in celebrating and recognising diversity in the workplace.

The working group aims to help eliminate unlawful discrimination and create a more equal society, by enabling both employers and employees to shape policy, celebrate achievements, and find out about planning changes in legislation.

It will also allow victims of discrimination to share their experiences and access support.

One of the first working groups of its kind to be launched by a local chamber in the UK, the group will meet regularly throughout the year to examine a wide range of areas including race, gender, religion, and subcultures.

Following the inaugural meeting, Rotherham councillor Cllr Lyndsay Pitchley was elected as chair.

The business owner is also the chair of Rotherham Council’s improving lives select commission.

She will be supported by financial adviser Jamie Lowe, director of True Self Wealth, who is experienced in the financial services sector and specialises in support for the LGBTQ+ community.

Cllr Pitchley said: “I hope we can all play a part in shining a spotlight on the prejudice that still exists in many workplaces across the region.”

The chamber’s deputy chief executive Carrie Sudbury, said the group’s launch built on “the work we have successfully delivered to champion gender equality in the workplace over the past decade, helping to empower individuals and support businesses in creating a fair and equal workplace where everyone can fulfil their potential”.

Other groups hosted by the chamber include health and wellbeing, construction, manufacturing and international trade.