Equality, diversity and inclusion

Our commitment/equal opportunities statement

At Portsmouth City Council we aim to build a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all colleagues thrive, regardless of their background. We embrace and value diversity and the unique perspectives that each person brings to our organisation.

We see our people as our greatest asset. When they are happy and supported at work, they can be their authentic selves and reach their full potential.

We are also committed to ensuring fair treatment, opportunities and advancement for all employees, acknowledging that not everyone starts from the same place or has access to the same resources.

Anonymising information

We anonymise personal details during key stages of the recruitment process. Learn more about this on our support for applicants page.

Positive action

At Portsmouth City Council we are committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. Both within our organisation and the services we provide to our communities.

In order to provide the best services, we want to truly reflect the communities we serve and one way we can work towards this is through undertaking ‘positive action’.

Positive action, under the Equality Act 2010, includes lawful steps to identify and remove barriers for underrepresented groups in employment, retention, and progression. Employment or promotion is still based upon merit.

Initiatives can include targeting job adverts to underrepresented groups to increase applications, or offering mentoring opportunities to those underrepresented at certain levels in the organisation.
This is not to be confused with positive discrimination which is unlawful.

Supporting our staff

We have several staff support groups that offer a space for colleagues with shared experience to support each other. These groups also help shape our initiatives, guidance and support in these areas. So far, they include:

Staff Race Equality Network
Carers Network
Menopause Support Group
Neurodiversity Support Group
Armed Forces Staff Network
LGBTQ+ Group

Disability Confident Scheme

Portsmouth City Council is a Disability Confident Employer. This scheme demonstrates our commitment to ensuring disabled people are treated fairly and have equal access to opportunities and development. We encourage and welcome disabled applicants. In particular, we will:

Ensure our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible
Offer an interview to disabled applicants proving they meet the minimum criteria for the role
Anticipate and provide reasonable adjustments as required
Support any existing employee who acquires a disability or long-term health condition, enabling them to stay and develop in work

Armed Forces Covenant

Portsmouth is the first unitary authority in the South East to receive an Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award.

We are committed to supporting the armed forces community and recognise the unique sacrifices that they make to support the nation, ensuring that no member of the armed forces community should face disadvantage compared to other citizens. We are providing better access to employment opportunities, support, mentoring, and work placements in a range of ways, including:

Offer an interview to all applicants who are current armed forces, ex armed forces, currently transitioning out of the armed forces, or their spouses/partners, providing they meet the minimum criteria for the role
10 days paid special leave for reservists to undertake required annual training without sacrificing their holiday entitlement.
Up to 45 hours per year special leave for adult cadet force volunteers to undertake required annual training
Flexible working to partners/spouses of serving personnel to help them manage periods of deployment
A special leave policy to support partners/spouses of veterans and serving personal to help manage sickness and/or injury
An armed forces staff network
Work experience and mentorship

White Ribbon

Portsmouth City Council is proud to be a White Ribbon accredited organisation; we are committed to working with our colleagues, partners and customers to end violence against women and girls across our city.

We have many White Ribbon Champions and Ambassadors across the organisation who encourage and challenge men to get involved and hold us to account, ensuring women’s voices are heard at work. We also have policies and support in place for those who have been affected by any issues related to violence against women and girls.