Sunderland City Council is also encouraging its workforce and residents of the city to sign up to the #NoBystanders campaign, organised by national equality campaign group Stonewall.
Cabinet Secretary for Sunderland City Council, Councillor Mel Speding, joined Chief Executive Irene Lucas and Assistant Chief Executive Sarah Reed in the Council Chamber to sign up to the campaign.
It’s in response to a national increase in reported hate crimes, and to demonstrate on-going commitment to tackling inequalities within the workplace.
Sunderland City Council uses a network of equality champions and advisors to support employees and promote equality, in all forms, right across the workforce.
The equality champions and advisors work with colleagues to tackle behaviour that targets anyone because of their race, faith, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or any other personal characteristic.
Cabinet Secretary for Sunderland City Council, Councillor Mel Speding said: “We believe that our staff should be able to work in a positive environment where everyone is treated fairly.
” By promoting our commitment to tackling inequalities and our network of equality champions, we are increasing the support available to our employees to ensure that happens.”
Assistant Chief Executive, and equality champion, Sarah Reed added: ” We want our employees to feel valued and respected at work. That’s why we’ve reasserted our commitment to the Stonewall #NoBystanders campaign, as well as increasing the opportunities for our employees to raise concerns and tackle any issues.”
If any member of the public experiences or witnesses a hate incidents relating to sexual orientation, gender identity, race, faith or disability it can be reported online through the Hate Incident Monitoring System or by calling 0191 520 5550.