Diversity and Inclusion

Time to Change Employer Pledge

We have signed the Time to Change Employer Pledge.

 

Time to Change Wales is the first national campaign to end the stigma and discrimination faced by people with mental health ill health.

 

We are committed to changing how we think, act, and talk about mental health in the workplace to make sure that our employees who face these challenges feel supported. 

 

About the Time to Change Employer Pledge

Disability Confident Employer

We are a Disability Confident Employer.

 

This scheme recognises employers who help disabled candidates into work and support employees if they suffer ill health during their working lives.

 

Under the scheme, we help people with disabilities in a number of ways including accessible interviews and prior consideration in recruitment.

 

We are proud to be a member of this scheme as it shows we are committed to inclusion and diversity in the workplace.

 

About Disability Confident Employers

Stonewall Proud Employers

 

We are a member of the Stonewall Proud Employers scheme.

 

We use the Proud Employers scheme to deepen our understanding of inclusive workplace practices - particularly those that support our LGBTQ+ colleagues - and to benchmark our progress. Any actions we take as a result are aligned with our corporate plans and core values.

 

We are pleased to share that Stonewall has accredited us as a Champion under its Proud Employers scheme in 2026, awarding us a score of 122 out of 200, which places us at the second tier of accreditation.

 

About Stonewall and the Proud Employers Scheme

Race Equality Matters Trailblazer Silver Status

 

We have been awarded with the Trailblazer Silver Status by Race Equality Matters.

 

Silver is the second stage in the Trailblazer series spotlighting organisations that are implementing impactful solutions to drive race equality.

 

After successfully achieving REM Trailblazer Bronze Status in August 2022, The Vale of Glamorgan Council has continued to address racial inequality and become a more diverse, inclusive and equal organisation.

 

Becoming a Trailblazer means the work the Council has done has resulted in change and made an impact across the breadth of the entire organisation. 

 

About Race Equality Matters and Trailblazers

Race Equality Matters Safe Space Plus Trailblazer Status

We have been awarded with the Race Equality Matters Safe Space Plus Trailblazer status. 

 

There are three main elements to the Safe Space Plus:

• Inform and Educate: Senior Leaders ask ethnically diverse colleagues questions they may not feel comfortable to ask publicly for fear of sounding ignorant or offensive.

• Understand: Ethnically diverse colleagues raise key issues of race inequality that are specific to their organisation and which they believe if addressed will have a meaningful impact.

• Take Action: Senior Leaders decide which issue(s) to act on and develop action plans in partnership with ethnically diverse colleagues, setting targets and committing to monitor progress.

 

 About Race Equality Matters Safe Space Plus

 

GLAM network (LGBTQI+) 

GLAM is a staff network of LGBT+ colleagues and allies that:

• works to have a positive impact for LGBTQI+ colleagues in the workplace

• raises overall awareness and visibility of its work

• provides a social and supportive environment

The network meets monthly to provide support, an opportunity to discuss issues which affect LGBT+ people, and to identify ways to raise awareness of LGBTQI+ issues.

Diverse Network

The Diverse Staff Network is a positive step for our organisation in promoting an inclusive workplace that actively celebrates its diverse community and workforce.

 

The network aims to: 

• Have a positive impact for colleagues from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities in the workplace

• Raise overall awareness and visibility of its work

• Provide a social and supportive environment

Establishing the network is a stride toward starting the conversation about race equality in the Council in a constructive and open way and demonstrating that uncomfortable conversations can lead to real change.

Abl (Disability Network)

Abl is the staff network for people with disabilities. Abl recognises that disability can mean different things to different people so will aim to include and not exclude, supporting you in whatever way you describe your disability.

 

Abl aspires to:

• Provide support and information to staff with disabilities, as well as guidance to managers and allies

• Raise awareness and understanding of different disabilities and health conditions to help improve experiences and relationships.

• Shape and influence policies and services by being a representative group for engagement and consultation

• Champion and support staff with disabilities in the workplace to drive increased outcomes and promote the voice of staff with disabilities in the Council

ABL will work with the other staff networks to promote inclusion, accessibility, awareness, and acceptance across the Vale of Glamorgan. 

The Wellbeing Champions

The Wellbeing Champions promote mental health and wellbeing activities, services, and support for Staff across the organisation.

 

The Wellbeing Champions aim to:

• Encourage colleagues to participate in the Council’s wellbeing initiatives / challenges

• Organise events and collaborative working with other Champions across the Council and other organisations

• Role model and promote a healthy culture within the workplace

• Signpost colleagues to relevant services and support