Allyship at Nottinghamshire County Council

What are Proud Allies?

Proud Allies are employees who are publicly committed to supporting their LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans) colleagues and those in the wider community.

They believe that work should be a place where everyone is treated fairly and with respect and that all employees should feel comfortable to openly be who they are.

What does a NCC Proud Ally do?

This will vary depending on seniority and whether you are a manager or not but all allies will commit to:

• challenge inappropriate banter in the workplace
• ensure the workplace is inclusive, for example not assuming all colleagues are straight and using the generic term 'partner'
• raise awareness of LGBT issues and support LGBT events such as IDAHOT Day (International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia)
• highlight LGBT issues for discussion and speak out about processes that may inadvertently discriminate against LGBT colleagues or customers
• be visible in your support to LGBT colleagues by wearing a 'Proud Ally' lanyard/badge and using the 'I'm a Proud Ally' strapline in their email signature block
• be approachable and maintain confidentiality if asked to
• seek advice from Equality Officers and/or HR where appropriate for example with regards equality legislation or HR policies and procedures including grievances or advice on bullying and harassment.

What are Anti-racism Allies?

Every employee has a duty to challenge unacceptable behaviour or report it wherever they encounter this in their working lives. There is now an opportunity for every member of staff to make a demonstrable commitment to enhance this existing duty by becoming an Anti-Racism Ally either as a team and/or on an individual basis by signing the pledge.

What does a NCC Anti-racism Ally do?

• Listen with an open mind and learn about issues that affect Black, Asian and Ethnic minority colleagues
• Educate ourselves on the experiences of black people in the workplace and in society at large
• Learn about Black history and the lived experiences of Black people
• Confront our own biases and prejudices, even when it is not comfortable
• Work together to eradicate harassment and discrimination from our workplaces
• Speak out against statements or banter that diminish Black, Asian and Ethnic minority people and let people know why you find this offensive
• Raise awareness of Black, Asian and Ethnic minority issues for discussion and speak out about processes that may inadvertently discriminate against Black, Asian and Ethnic minority colleagues or customers
• Be visible in your support to Black, Asian and Ethnic minority colleagues by wearing an 'Anti-Racism Ally' badge and using the 'I'm an Anti-racist Ally' strapline in their email signature block
• Be approachable and maintain confidentiality where appropriate if asked to
• Seek advice from Equality Officer, Black Workers Network and/or HR where appropriate with regards equality legislation or employment policies and procedures including employee disputes or advice on bullying and harassment.