Diversity and Inclusion Spotlight – October 2022
October’s update from the Analysis Function Diversity and Inclusion group
“According to charity Mind, mental health is like physical health, in that everybody has it and we need to take care of it. Building communities, time in greenspace and learning new things can help support our wellbeing.
The overall objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world, and to mobilise efforts in support of mental health. This year’s theme is to ‘make mental health and wellbeing for all a global priority’. Ultimately, this international day is about education, awareness and advocacy against the social stigma attached to mental health. Often mental health problems can make us feel isolated and ashamed. Reducing social stigma is a key step for us all to remove the barrier of individuals seeking support.
There are many ways to get involved, including supporting public engagement work, campaigning, fundraising and donating to charities such as Mental Health Foundation, Mind and Rethink Mental Illness. Even talking about mental health experiences (whether your own or someone you know) can support reducing social stigma, as it can begin to normalise these conversations.
Civil servants can find support on the Charity for Civil Servants wellbeing hub which offers many resources.”
Molly and Treena, members of the AF Diversity and Inclusion working group.
Updated resource to support Listening Circles
We’ve collaborated with diversity networks across government to update the AF resource to support listening circles.
Reflecting the most recent advice on best practice, listening circles are structured conversations which allow you to hear the lived experiences of colleagues and are increasingly valuable to creating a more inclusive culture in your team or organisation. They can also be useful in bringing a wider group of people’s experiences to the attention of senior leaders and highlight the barriers they face.
If you’re interested in finding out more about listening circles, please email Analysis.Function@ons.gov.uk to receive the link for the resource.
Call for SCS – AF Disability Listening Circles
Building on this enhanced resource, the AF team is organising a series of listening circles for disabled analysts and would like to hear from SCS colleagues to join the conversation.
We aim to have one or two senior civil servants in attendance for each circle, primarily in a listening role and to help enact change. Insights and actions will be shared after each session which will help enable an evidence-based dialogue on disability going forward. Email Holly.Kool@ons.gov.uk if you’re interested in getting involved.
The AF Inclusion Resources are back and better than ever!
Inclusion Resources are a valuable tool in our endeavours to create an inclusive culture for analysts across government. The resources are home to a wealth of information, helping increase your understanding and awareness of diverse perspectives, support analysts to recognise and encourage contributions from all team members, and much more besides. Amongst its pages you’ll find links to videos, blogs, Civil Service Learning courses; the list goes on!
Whilst the resources are comprehensive, they also contain tips on what to engage with if you only have a spare 15 minutes. A recent refresh means the resources now contain a section on inclusive data analysis and are looking fresher than ever.
Email Holly.Kool@ons.gov.uk to receive the resources.
Join us!
The Analysis Function’s D&I group is looking for new members. Through delivering the AF D&I Strategy, the group aims to create a truly diverse and inclusive analysis community that is reflective of the UK society we serve. The group has been involved in much interesting work including developing the Inclusion Toolkit and organising popular Leaders in Analysis events.
If you’re interested in joining, please email Analysis.Function@ons.gov.uk.