Current activities
CWDC is taking a holistic approach to equality and diversity. Below are listed a few examples of current activities which contribute to this objective.
Development of an Equality Scheme
This is required by legislation since CWDC became an Executive Non-Departmental Public Body (ENDPB) on 1 April 2008. Work is underway to produce a draft scheme by Autumn 2008. The scheme/s will cover the three stands of legislation for Gender, Disability and Race. Our stakeholders will be fully involved in this process.
Developing Equality and Diversity – Stage 1
Appointment of a Diversity and Third Sector Manager
Susan Waterson joined CWDC on 19 May 2008. Her role is to drive the equality and diversity agenda within CWDC. Contact Susan at diversity@cwdcouncil.org.uk
Incorporating equality and diversity in childcare
Many of the work areas led by CWDC actively promote diversity in a variety of different ways. The ‘Working with children and young people with disabilities' programme is a good example. Visit our children with disabilities page for more information.
CWDC's contribution to the Secretary of State's Report on progress towards disability equality across the children's and education sector
There is a requirement for the Secretary of State to publish a report, this falls from the duties outlined within the Disability Discrimination Act 2005. The report containing CWDC's response will be published by 1 December 2008. To find out more visit the Office for Disability website.
Case studies
A number of case studies have been commissioned and produced in order to encourage people from diverse backgrounds to consider a career in childcare. Visit the case studies page to read them in full. Six of these case studies have been made into handy A5 postcards which are handed out at CWDC events. They offer a brief overview of the case study, including their career path.
To see each of the case study postcards, click on the links below:
Ayub Malik - Learning Mentor
Mina Bharat - Nursery Manager
Dermot Gallagher - Training Advisor
Jeanette Bramwell - Youth Justice Social Worker
Hasan Saffari - Nursery Worker
Pete Coulson - Senior Youth and Community Officer
To receive a pack of the postcards in hard copy, contact us.
"Joining the children's workforce - Guidance on the support and assistance available for people under-represented in the children's workforce".
A guidance booklet has been published in October 2008 which brings together sources of finance, support and advice available to assist individuals from under-represented groups into work, education and training for the childcare sector. It features real people from a variety of children's workforce roles. This resource will be especially useful for CWDC teams running recruitment campaigns. Take a look at the booklet click here.
Occupational Group Funding - Focus on development of diverse workforce
The Occupational Group Funding (OGF) is now in its third year and continues to provide funding to organisations which will support CWDC to achieve some of the key aims and priorities outlined in our business plan. In particular, the aim of encouraging all those who work with children, young people and families to see themselves as one workforce. There is a maximum of £50,000 per tender in 2008 - 09. This year one of the three key areas the fund will focus on is the development of a diverse workforce. Visit our occupational group funding pages for more information.
Diversity network for children's workforce organisations
The diversity network was set up by CWDC to enable stakeholders within the children's workforce to work together to share diversity initiatives, experiences and practice.
The diversity network group met on 28 February 2008 to discuss their own organisations positive and negative experiences of diversity practice. Please contact us if you would like to receive more information about the diversity network group.
Dates of religious festivals
It is a good idea to check when planning events if it will clash with any religious festivals or holidays. A good resource is the Interfaith Calendar:- www.interfaithcalendar.org