Council to tackle gender inequality

DUMFRIES and Galloway Council is taking the next steps in advancing gender equality among its workforce. The council has joined 'Equally Safe at Work' , a national accreditation programme led by Close the Gap, as part of its continued commitment to gender equality and preventing violence against women. Participation in Equally Safe at Work provides the council with an opportunity to demonstrate leadership across the organisation and in the wider community. Over the coming year, the council will deliver a programme of activity that includes reviewing and developing internal policies, examining recruitment and progression practices, improving access to flexible working and strengthening how colleagues are supported to report and respond to sexual harassment or gender-based violence. Dumfries and Galloway Council chief executive Dawn Roberts commented: “We are committed to building a workplace where fairness, inclusion and respect are part of everyday practice. As a woman in leadership, I recognise how important it is that our systems and culture support women to feel safe, heard and able to thrive. Taking part in the Equally Safe at Work programme gives us the opportunity to reflect on how we work and ensure we continue to evolve in the right direction.”