We are proud to be recognised and receive a certificate of excellence for our ongoing support in Stepping Up Bristol, a leadership initiative for people from diverse backgrounds in Bristol and the south west region. Jo Osburn-Hughes, DE&S Diversity and Inclusion Co-champion, accepted this award of excellence on behalf of DE&S at a ceremony on 17 May.

Stepping Up was initiated by Bristol City Council in January 2018 to increase diversity in leadership by bringing together organisations to identify potential leaders from groups.

Each year-long programme offers core leadership modules, career management, mentoring and learning day stretch-assignments to help build participants’ leaderships skills and enhance their career prospects.

DE&S has participated in every cohort since the programme’s inception, providing delegates and speakers as well as hosting events. Our contribution has now been formally recognised.

Jo Osburn Hughes, Diversity and Inclusion Co-champion at DE&S, said:

“We are thrilled that DE&S has been recognised for its five-year long involvement with Stepping Up. Since its launch in 2018 the programme has provided more than 20 participants from DE&S the opportunity to gain new skills, build confidence and help fulfil their leadership potential. As well as our commitment to the Public Sector Equality Duty, it was important for us to work more closely with Bristol City Council because of Abbey Wood’s proximity to the city. We’re delighted to receive this award in recognition of our support for Stepping Up and as a celebration of our commitment to diversity and inclusion.”