Image: West Sussex County Council employees receiving Best Equality and Inclusion Employer Award from Daliso Chaponda, comedian (left) and Che Kwon, programme manager from North Northamptonshire Council (right) for their advance and inclusive recruitment practice.
Release date: 19 November 2024
West Sussex County Council's Public Health Team has been honoured with the 'Best Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Employer' award at the Local Government Chronicle (LGC) Workforce Awards 2024, highlighting their innovative approach to recruiting staff from diverse backgrounds and communities.
The team's efforts to enhance inclusion and diversity within its workforce through advancing its recruitment practices were commended during a live judging panel. Celebrating diverse cultures, listening to staff needs, and embedding support into practice, were also recognised in receiving the award.
In 2023, Public Health, supported by the Council’s Human Resources team, launched an initiative to recruit two new Graduate Public Health Practitioner posts, funded by NHS England. This aimed to provide opportunities for local individuals from diverse backgrounds with qualifications in public health-related subjects to enter the workforce.
Reflecting on the support received, Lovelyn Okwara, WSCC Employee, said: “My line manager linked me to a mentor from the same ethnic background who has been supporting my personal and professional growth and development. This is very important for me as a graduate trainee and has helped me understand cultural differences and translating them into strengths.”
The teams were also shortlisted for another three awards, Best Innovation in Recruitment, Best Innovation in Retention and Best Next Generation Employer.
Councillor Bob Lanzer, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "I am delighted that our Public Health team has received such worthy recognition. Our commitment to inclusivity not only strengthens our workforce but also enhances our ability to deliver effective public health services."
Councillor Steve Waight, Cabinet Member for Support Services, added: "Supporting a diverse and inclusive workforce is at the heart of what we do. The great work undertaken with our Public Health and Human Resources teams, demonstrates our dedication to being an employer that champions equality, diversity, and inclusion. We look forward to continuing this important work and making further improvements across the council, ensuring that we remain a great place to work for everyone."
If you are interested in working for the county council, search current jobs at westsussex.gov.uk/jobs
