Inspire Culture, Learning and Libraries has been recognised for its commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace and has been awarded the Investors in Diversity (IiD) accreditation by the National Centre for Diversity (NCD).

Launched in 2016, INSPIRE delivers the following services in Nottinghamshire: public libraries, archives, arts, Instrumental Music Teaching in schools, Adult Learning and Inspire College, Nottinghamshire Music Hub and the Education Library Service.

Investors in Diversity is a nationally-recognised quality mark, representing an organisation’s internal commitment to building an inclusive culture.

The NCD praised the hard work of both staff and senior leadership to create an inclusive culture, and reported that the passion for what the different services deliver stands out when speaking with employees, and chief executive Peter Gaw and Board members.

IiD said there has been a focus on improving communication around equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), including opportunities for staff to inform process and decision making. Training and a range of awareness sessions have been made available as well as practical changes to data gathering. New polices have also been developed on gender-reassignment and menopause.

Peter said: “We are proud to have achieved the Investors in Diversity Award and I applaud the efforts across Inspire in supporting the work leading to this accreditation. Equality, diversity and inclusion has always been a priority for us as a service provider and as an employer. Working with a professional body has given us the challenge,  expertise and focus to ensure that this is integrated and consistent across Inspire.  By embarking on this journey, we have been able to show our staff and partners that we are dedicated to embedding EDI into the organisation.

“From the work and feedback so far, we know where we are doing well and what is working, and where we can develop further – our journey continues.  We remain committed to supporting staff, raising awareness and refining our policies and procedures to ensure Inspire is a welcoming and inclusive place for all, now and in the years ahead.”