Inclusion is not only about meeting the public sector equality duty. The benefits of inclusion for any organisation including better recruitment and retention of a diverse staff base also follow. Diverse teams operating in an inclusive culture are not only more effective at providing services for all, but are more resilient in the face of change or demanding circumstances such as public health emergencies.
Across the UK Social Value aligns deeply with inclusion.
For bodies in Wales, where I am based, inclusive cultures better support meeting the requirements of the Well-Being of Future Generations Act. Positive impacts follow across all seven goals, for example:
- A prosperous Wales – McKinsey’s regular Diversity Matters report series consistently show companies with diverse senior teams outperform less diverse competitors.
- A vibrant culture and a thriving Welsh language – historically marginalised, the culture of Wales has benefited from the diverse population of the country over centuries, and inclusive cultures can only strengthen a healthy national identity.
- A healthier Wales – mental ill-health contributes to social ills, takes people away from work and places additional demands on our health and social care services. An inclusive culture promotes psychological safety, reducing the incidence and impacts of mental ill-health.
- A more equal Wales – fundamentally greater equality comes from understanding, valuing and accommodating difference. Inclusive cultures are the most robust and resilient means to embed this within business as usual.
- A Wales of cohesive communities – cohesion has many facets, and an inclusive culture naturally lends itself to understanding stakeholder needs, and providing services that account for a diversity of users by design reduces conflict and enhances connections.
- A resilient Wales – in the face of challenges, a society that is flexible because of the diversity of its members is better able to weather challenges and recover quickly. An inclusive culture ensures the differences inherent in diversity are harnessed to benefit all rather than separate society’s members.
- A globally responsible Wales – one element being Wales’ status as a nation of sanctuary, where inclusive cultures within public services will ensure alignment with commitments to refugees and asylum seekers
What is your experience elsewhere in the UK? Maybe you are part of a public body that has engaged with the PSED or the wider opportunities of inclusive culture in an innovative and impactful fashion.
Eyres Inclusion Consulting 