Tag: inclusion

QMU runs free event to support inclusive practices in organisations

The often polarising debate of inclusivity will be the hot topic for discussion at a free event to be held at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh. 

As part of the University’s work in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, the Queen Margaret Business School will host a free symposium to look at the role and impact of inclusive practices in organisational settings.

The University is keen to open up this sensitive topic for debate in order to assist organisations in dealing with some of the issues around inclusion and to identify good solutions that will support recruitment practices; develop a healthy, happy workforce; and assist with positive organisational development.

Dr Thomas Peschken-Holt, Head of the School of the Queen Margaret Business School, explained: “In recent years, there has been a growing and more pronounced questioning of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) agenda, as well as the role and appropriateness of inclusive practices. These can be complex areas for organisations to navigate and respond to appropriately. 

“Queen Margaret University is keen to shine a light on this sensitive topic and open up the conversation across a range of diverse organisations and individuals. We will look beyond the often divisive headlines by exploring the underlying assumptions and practical implications of inclusive practices within organisational settings, aiming to challenge traditional viewpoints to provide audiences with a deeper, more informed, understanding.

“We hope this will be helpful in creating a positive outlook and direction, so that organisations can move forward with confidence in the development and actioning of their inclusive policies and practices.”

This event promises to provide enlightening and helpful perspectives on inclusivity from a diverse range of panel members from across Scotland. Dr Peschken-Holt will lead the panel discussion with contributions from the Director of Policy at the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, Jo Davidson; the Chief Executive Officer of Knowledge Bridge, Irene Mosota; and the Chief Executive of Sight Scotland, Craig Spalding. 

‘Inclusion – A Distracting Liability or A Diverse Organisational Asset?’ is particularly relevant to business leaders, human resource professionals, academics students, and anyone interested in the role of inclusivity in contemporary organisations. 

Open to the public, this free symposium will take place at Queen Margaret University on Thursday 10 April (room 2156). Registration – 4:45pm, with main event running from 5pm to 6pm.

For information and registration details, view the Eventbrite.

Team building tops the list of most-disliked workplace social activities

Almost one-third (31%) of employees dislike work team-building activities, according to a new survey by workplace expert Acas.

Acas asked employees which work-related social activities or engagements they favoured least. One fifth (20%) said they disliked after-hours drinks, with 19% disliking any social activity with colleagues.

Staff may have preferences for certain types of social engagements and may be uneasy about taking part in some others at work.

Some neurodiverse staff, such as people with Autism, could find some activities uncomfortable and may not enjoy certain social situations.

Acas is raising awareness of neurodiversity at work and recently published new advice to help employers create inclusive organisations.

Acas Interim Chief Executive Dan Ellis said: “Work social activities can be a great way for employers to improve their staff morale, wellbeing and rapport among colleagues. Our survey has found that over a quarter of employees like different types of social engagements at work.

“However, it is clear from our poll that certain activities are more popular than others and some employees dislike certain social situations with their workmates.

“The good boss will talk to their staff, find out what team-building and social activities will get everyone motivated and think about different activities that can appeal across the workforce. The secret is to ask, listen, respond and not just assume everyone will enjoy a specific activity, just because one person does.”

Employers could talk to their staff to create more engaging activities by asking what appeals to them most from a range of suitable options.

Some staff value their personal time as important in maintaining their mental wellbeing.

Ensuring that team building activities take place within normal hours will protect personal time and avoid excluding staff with parental and caring responsibilities.

Neurodiversity describes the natural differences in how people’s brains behave and process information. As well as autism, other well-known types of neurodiversity include ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia.

Acas advice is that employers should make their organisation more inclusive, so that staff feel comfortable sharing and talking about neurodiversity.

Being inclusive can help:

  • improve staff wellbeing
  • reduce absence levels and employee turnover
  • attract employees with a wider range of skills and experience
  • reduce the risk of disputes and legal claims on discrimination

Corstorphine Community Centre: Make a change in your community

Do you want to make a change in your community? Age 12-18 or a parent or carer?

Come join our LGBT+ Charter Champions group, helping us form our LGBT+ Charter and making our centre open and welcoming to everyone!


Contact Alison on community@ccchub.online or text 07340 554839 if you are interested!

Choudhury: “Organisations should implement anti-racism strategies”

Lothians MSP Foysol Choudhury MSP has sponsored an ‘Anti-Racism in the Third and Voluntary Sector’ drop-in session at the Scottish Parliament, imploring organisations to integrate their own anti-racist strategies.

North Edinburgh Arts, with support from Passion4Fusion and Project Esperanza, presented their work to other third sector and voluntary organisations on delivering North Edinburgh Arts’ Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Plan. 

North Edinburgh Arts have focused their Equality, Diversity and Inclusion work across 2023/2024 on race and have worked with two black led organisations, Passion4Fusion and Project Esperanza, in the development of their Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Plan.

As part of this work, North Edinburgh Arts have developed an anti-racist statement:

“North Edinburgh Arts condemns all forms of racism and discrimination, including anti-Blackness, and will not tolerate racist language, hate speech, or abusive behaviours on our premises or online spaces.”

They have also developed an anti-racism plan which includes steps such as staff training. Learning about the work North Edinburgh Arts have done with Passion4Fusion and Project Esperanza, MSP Choudhury says, was a fantastic example of what more organisations should be doing to tackle racism.

Mr Choudhury said: “”The third sector plays an important role in shaping a more diverse, tolerant and equal society.

“Watching the presentation from North Edinburgh Arts, Passion4Fusion and Project Esperanza showed us what can be achieved in the third sector, to ensure that our organisations are not only non-racist, but break down racist barriers to ensure they are truly anti-racist.

“We had very insightful discussions at the session about how other third sector and voluntary organisations can implement anti-racism, learning from the work which has been done by these three fantastic organisations.

“The clear call from this event was that anti-racism is something that we should all take it upon ourselves to implement-we must work together, not leave anti-racist work solely to black-led or ethnic minority organisations.

“We must condemn all forms of racism and discrimination and continue working to ensure our spaces and services reflect, welcome and celebrate our diverse communities.”

Kate Wimpress, Director of North Edinburgh Arts, said following the event: “Working with Passion4Fusion and Project Esperanza on our anti-racist statement and plan has been a wholly positive and enlightening process.

“Many thanks to them for their generosity and support. NEA better understands the corrosive nature of racism and the part we must all play to shape a more diverse, tolerant, and respectful society.”

Helene Rodger, Project Director of Passion4Fusion, said following the event: “Anti-racism practices aim to level the playing field and ensure equal access to opportunities across all sectors, regardless of race or ethnicity . 

“This is key to achieving the vision of a Scotland where “wealth and power are more equally spread.”

Victoria Nyanga-Ndiaye, CEO of Project Esperanza, said following the event: “At Project Esperanza; we have been listening to the voices of families from Black and Multi Ethnic Communities about their experiences, concerns and frustrations with racism in schools and health and social care services; as well as about how complaints are handled.

“We are amplifying those voices through the work that we do to challenge racist systems and work practices, as well as to challenge the gatekeeping that happens within systems, which ultimately harm Black and Brown communities.

“We do this in order to shape a truly welcoming, fairer and safer Scotland that is culturally literate and migrant friendly and it is important that third sector organisations unite in anti-racism efforts in Scotland, because we work frontline and centre daily with the communities affected by all forms of racism”.

Edinburgh Accessibility Commission ‘to help make streets inclusive for everyone’

An Accessibility Commission is to be formally established to make sure Edinburgh’s public spaces are as inclusive as possible for disabled people.

On Thursday (11 January) Transport and Environment Committee will be asked to note the next steps for establishing the commission, including its Terms of Reference. These will cover the roles and responsibilities of Commissioners, who will represent a range of accessibility, disability, walking and public transport organisations (see below*).

In December, internationally recognised disability activist Zara Todd was appointed as chair of the Accessibility Commission. Ms Todd, who has previously been chair of Inclusion London and deputy chair of public body Equality 2025, has advised the British Council, the Fundamental Rights Agency and Transport for London on disability and accessibility issues, and has over 20 years’ experience in chairing and facilitating inclusive meetings.

She will lead the Accessibility Commission in providing independent advice to the Council on the challenges, opportunities and actions required to make sure the city’s public streets and spaces are accessible for disabled people.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “I am proud that Edinburgh is a welcoming and diverse city, but it’s clear that there is much work to be done to make it truly accessible and inclusive for everyone.

“In the coming decade transport in our capital will evolve substantially to accommodate growth, tackle congestion and respond to the climate emergency.

“This transition is also a huge opportunity to a create a more equal city, and the Accessibility Commission is there to help ensure that happens.

“The Accessibility Commission will focus on addressing that challenge, and listening to the needs of disabled people to make our streets and public spaces as accessible as possible.

“Zara Todd brings with her a wealth of personal and professional experience which will be invaluable to the Commission’s aims. As a resident of Edinburgh she knows what works here, and also where we have made mistakes in recent years.

“I look forward to working with her, and other Commission members, to make Edinburgh a better place for everyone to live, work and visit.”

Zara Todd said: “As a disabled Edinburgh resident it is great to see the council taking accessibility seriously, I look forward to working with everybody involved.“

The establishment of an Accessibility Commission follows several motions from councillors in support of Transport for All’s Equal Pavements Pledge, which commits to ensuring streets are accessible for everyone.

Progress has been made to set up the group, including discussions around challenges faced by people with disabilities in accessing Edinburgh’s public streets and spaces, along with the role, remit and membership of a new Accessibility Commission.

It is intended to hold the Commission’s first meeting next month.

Read the full Accessibility Commission report being considered by Transport and Environment Committee on Thursday, 11 January. 

*Commissioners comprise a representative from each of the following organisations:

  • Edinburgh Access Panel
  • Edinburgh Trams
  • Equality and Rights Network
  • Euan’s Guide
  • HCL Transport
  • Inclusion Scotland
  • Living Streets Edinburgh Group
  • Lothian Buses
  • Lothian Centre for Inclusive Living
  • Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland
  • National Federation for the Blind Scotland
  • People First (Scotland)
  • Royal National Institute of Blind People
  • Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans
  • Sustrans
  • The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association (Scotland)
  • The Scottish Assembly

Diversity and inclusion in schools

Scotland ‘leading the way’

Castleton Primary School in Glasgow has become the first in Scotland to fully embed lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) inclusive education across their school curriculum.

In 2019 the Scottish Government launched a dedicated package of resources to help all schools build on existing good practice to promote equality, reduce bullying, and improve the educational experiences of LGBT children and young people.

This includes:

  • teaching resources to ensure subjects across age groups include LGBT identities, issues and history
  • training for teachers and school leaders to approach topics with knowledge and confidence, and to help effectively challenge homophobia, biphobia and/or transphobia in the school environment and wider community

A recent report on the approach by Time for Inclusive Education (TIE) found it improved the attitudes and experiences of pupils and staff, including LGBT young people.

Following a visit to Castleton Primary School on Tuesday August 22nd, Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “I was very pleased to visit Castleton Primary School which is the first in Scotland to fully embed LGBT inclusive education right across the curriculum.

“Many schools across the country already take positive steps to educate learners about LGBT identities and issues but this is an important milestone. We will continue to do all we can to help young people to reach their full potential in a diverse and inclusive society.

“We know that this approach has already improved experiences for many young people, with pupils reporting fewer instances of anti-LGBT behaviour, language, and bullying, both in school and the wider community.  It is clear that this inclusive approach to education is already delivering real results for young people.

“Scotland’s education system must support everyone, and it is vital the curriculum is as diverse as the young people who learn in our schools. The inspirational work being undertaken at Castleton and schools like it across the country highlight how inclusive education can help to stamp out prejudice and I look forward to seeing further progress on this work in the coming months and years.”

Jordan Daly, Co-Founder and Director of Time for Inclusive Education said: “LGBT Inclusive Education supports schools to proactively address homophobic, biphobic, and transphobic prejudice and bullying, and ensures that young people see themselves, their families and the world around them in what they learn.

“We have been privileged to work with Castleton Primary School to take this forward, and are encouraged by reports from pupils and teachers about the positive impact that this has had on their school experiences. 

“Schools in Scotland have free access to professional learning, teaching resources, and a structured implementation Toolkit, provided by the Scottish Government, and we would encourage all teachers to engage with these resources to begin improving outcomes for LGBT young people and families in their school community.”

UK Government reveals plans to improve disabled people’s lives

New plans to improve the lives of disabled people have been set out by the Government today (Tuesday 18 July).

  • Government launches consultation on Disability Action Plan, which brings together ideas and action across Government to make disabled people’s lives easier
  • Plans include raising awareness of life-changing tech for disabled people, mandatory disability awareness training for taxi drivers, autism-friendly programmes for cultural and heritage sites
  • Plans designed by Ministers to make the UK a more inclusive society in the long term

Immediate and practical measures proposed in the fully accessible consultation include ensuring businesses are aware of disabled people’s needs – including Guide Dog access needs – to allow all disabled people to live, work and shop freely and support for local authorities to ensure the playgrounds they build or refurbish are accessible for disabled children.

The proposals will inform the Government’s Disability Action Plan later this year, laying the foundations for longer term change.

Other measures in the proposed Plan include:

– Raising the profile of assistive technology to ensure more disabled people have access to life-changing tech

– Legislating for mandatory disability awareness training for taxi and private hire drivers to unlock greater travel freedom for disabled people

– Encouraging more autism-friendly programmes in the cultural and heritage sectors to drive greater inclusivity

– Improving reasonable adjustments in the courts system so more disabled people can be on juries improving diversity and breadth of experience

– Implementing the British Sign Language (BSL) GCSE, over a year after the BSL Act was introduced, giving thousands of pupils communication and visual memory skills that will be an advantage to them for the rest of their lives

– Exploring the feasibility of Great Britain hosting the Special Olympics World Summer Games in 2031.

The Disability Action Plan sits alongside the Government’s National Disability Strategy which sets out our longer-term vision to improve disabled people’s lives for the better.

6.6927 Disability Unit branding

Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Tom Pursglove MP, said: “Our Disability Action Plan will lay out practical measures we can implement here and now to improve the lives of disabled people.

“From leading the way globally with assistive technology to improving inclusivity and accessibility across sport, travel and culture, the Plan will also be important in setting the stage for longer term change.

“We want disabled people to be at the heart of decision making and I would encourage anyone interested to respond to this consultation so the views of disabled people across the country are front and centre of our final Disability Action Plan.”

The Plan builds on the Government’s achievements over the last year on education, work, leisure, and rights for disabled people. This includes supporting the passage of landmark legislation: the Down Syndrome Act and British Sign Language (BSL) Act – and a consultation to support the introduction of a new BSL GCSE.

The overarching focus on disability has also ensured over 2,000 miles of King Charles III England Coast Path is accessible, while the government has delivered an additional £1 billion for the education of children and young people with more complex needs.

The consultation will run for 12 weeks and be open for anyone to comment. This will ensure the Plan is informed by the experience and views of disabled people, disability organisations and charities as well as other interested parties.

Chair of the Disability Unit West Midlands Regional Stakeholder Network, Louise Mckiernan said: “I welcome the Government’s commitment to their new Disability Action Plan and their intention to take immediate and practical actions to improve the lives of disabled people across the UK.

The launch of this consultation is an important opportunity for disabled people in particular to have their say and to help shape the Government’s short-term plans.

“I would encourage as many disabled people, disability organisations and other interested parties as possible to take part in this consultation exercise to ensure their voices are heard.”

Further Information:

Butlin’s launch £2.5 million SKYPARK

  • Butlin’s officially opens SKYPARK – a brand new inclusive playground – at its Skegness resort
  • New research reveals three quarters of UK parents believe more should be done to support children with additional needs
  • Almost half (44%) of parents say they’ve had to cut back on play opportunities for their children in the last 12 months due to financial concerns

A brand-new £2.5M playground, Butlin’s SKYPARK has opened today at the home of entertainment’s Skegness resort – designed specifically so children of all abilities can play together, shoulder to shoulder.

The opening comes as new national research reveals the majority of parents believe children with additional needs do not receive sufficient support, with three quarters (75%) saying more should be done in this area.

What’s more, the research found that almost half of parents (44%) have had to cut back on play opportunities for their children in the last 12 months due to financial concerns. With parents on average spending £100 (£94.31) per month on paid for activities, such as assault courses and soft play. 

Despite UK parents cutting back on paid for activities, they unveiled that the top skills they feel their children develop through socialising and playing with others include; confidence (55%), sharing (51%), cooperation (46%), patience (42%) and respect (41%).

The state-of-the-art playground is equipped with a wheelchair-accessible trampoline and roundabout, sit-up swings for support and sociability, and wheelchair-friendly walkways and ramps, to ensure no child is left on the side lines.

Butlin’s SKYPARK further features four epic climbing towers with the tallest standing at 14 metres high, offering an incredible panoramic sea view.

The site, at Butlin’s Skegness resort, is also home to the UK’s longest interactive seesaw, at an impressive 24 metres long, children and adults can work together to generate enough energy to light up the area.

Alongside the park sits the Butlin’s SKYPARK Café, where the adults can relax and keep an eye on the children enjoying themselves.

Featuring an array of indoor and outdoor seating, with a selection of hot and cold drinks and snacks, the café also has a specially curated music playlist, set at an appropriate volume setting and to a calming low beat with inclusivity in mind. 

Jon Hendry-Pickup, CEO at Butlin’s, said: “As the home of entertainment, we’re really proud to be able to offer a playground that’s designed to be truly inclusive for all families – with Butlin’s SKYPARK included in the price of a break.

“Launching Butlin’s SKYPARK is an incredibly proud moment for us as a business and it is the first of many exciting investments we’re making across our three resorts in the next few years.

“Our new playground provides a safe, stimulating place for children of all abilities to play together. We can’t wait to see families enjoying our incredible new playground this Easter and beyond.”

To see more about Butlin’s SKYPARK, including full information on the different zones and key features, please head to: www.butlins.com/discover-butlins/things-to-do/skypark

Circle’s Values

To ensure that children and families are at the centre of all we do, we create opportunities for families to participate in the development of policies, values, and services.

We believe that to properly support families to find their own solutions, it is necessary to give voice to their thoughts, concerns, and aspirations.

We’ve recently involved families in the creation of a new participation strategy for Circle.

This strategy creates a framework that recognises the need to involve families in a meaningful and respectful way in the development of services and policy across the organisation. 

Call for Capital’s sustainable food projects to sign up to new directory

Edinburgh’s sustainable food producers and suppliers are being called upon to apply to have their details registered in a new directory.  

The Sustainable Food Directory is designed to help people find out where they can source sustainable food locally and to support the promotion of the capital as a leading food destination in Scotland. 

Managed by Edible Edinburgh, and supported by the City of Edinburgh Council, the directory will aim to showcase the best places to find local, sustainable food in Edinburgh, for residents and visitors.

Local food growing projects, community food organisations, shops, markets, cafes and restaurants are all being asked to apply to become part of the directory – with the aim of gaining recognition as  the most sustainable food places in the city.

Applicants are being asked to complete a short form, detailing why they should be included in the directory, along with a sustainability statement outlining how they’re actively working towards sustainability in their services; supply chain, packaging and recycling.

Councillor George Gordon, Chair of Edible Edinburgh, said: As a food partnership, we want to promote the breadth of sustainable, healthy, local food choices on offer to residents and visitors to Scotland’s capital city. Food that’s grown locally has less distance to travel to get to our plate, meaning less carbon emissions from things like transportation and storage. 

“We know that Edinburgh’s amazing local food and drink producers work hard to bring high quality, sustainably produced food to people’s plates. So, we’re calling on sustainable food businesses, growers, suppliers and producers in the city to apply to be listed on our new directory, highlighting their business action and ambition, to make it easier for people to support local food producers, shops and communities in Edinburgh.”

The project to create a Sustainable Food Directory was announced as part of Edible Edinburgh’s Inspiring Food event at Edinburgh College Granton Campus on Friday.

The college event promoted some of Edinburgh’s leading food businesses, charities, growing projects and pantries.

Business can find out more about the directory and how to register by emailing Edible Edinburgh on hello@edible-edinburgh.org.

The directory is scheduled to go live to the public in early summer.