Businesses have come together to celebrate the ongoing work to make their workplaces more diverse and inclusive.
Representatives from nine businesses came out to mark the achievements of the Workforce Integration Ambassador Programme delivered by Blackburn College, as part of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council’s Social Integration Programme ‘Our Community, Our Future’.
The Programme brought together companies based in Blackburn with Darwen that are committed to ensuring an inclusive and diverse workplace to share best practice.
The celebration event, held at the College’s Scholars restaurant, recognised the ongoing work of the businesses in the programme to increase diversity.
Presentations were given by Ben Ritherdon, Managing Director of Ritherdon Ltd in Darwen, Muddassir Shah, Social Integration Programme Manager from Blackburn with Darwen Council, and Nazir Makda Diversity and Inclusion Lead from East Lancashire NHS Hospital’s Trust.
Ben Ritherdon said: “The Programme has been superb, it’s been fantastic to meet all the other fellow delegates and hear their ideas on how to improve diversity and inclusivity. I’m looking forward to putting what we’ve learnt into practice.”
Head of Neighbourhoods, Wellbeing & Prevention at Blackburn with Darwen Council Richard Brown said: “Our social integration programme recognises that the workplace is often where firm friendships are made.
“Supporting local employers to consider how they can attract a more diverse workforce directly supports a huge goal of our social integration work – to give people more opportunities to mix that are meaningful. “
Although the programme has now finished, members will continue to work together to share best practice and ideas through the formation of a supportive network.
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