I am pleased to support and endorse the diversity section of the NOWpeople website. Equalities and diversity are at the heart of our work in local government. We want to recognise the needs of all in our communities and design services appropriate to meet these needs. We all have the responsibility to make continuous improvement in this aspect of our work. This new facility will greatly assist in this important endeavour.

This new section will cover areas such as current legislation, provide useful links, calendar events, contacts and advice and provide demographic profiles for North West residents.

It is important as both major employers and service providers, that we all value diversity and promote equality of opportunity. This means that it is vital that we ensure our commitments, reinforced by our values, are embedded in our day to day working practices with all our service users, colleagues and partners.

Equality and diversity is about making society more equitable in particular for those facing any form of discrimination or disadvantage. These ideals challenge us all to provide appropriate resources that meet and resolve this often hidden form of inequality. Local government has an important role to play not least as leaders in our respective areas but also collectively across the region. We will continue to strive forward to make a fairer more inclusive society for all of the community and this resource will play an important part in making this vision a reality.

Joyce Redfearn
Chief Executive - Wigan Council