At Durham County Council we recognise and value equality and diversity, in ensuring inclusion and bringing new ideas and perspectives, and how this helps us to grow and constantly improve our services. We encourage anyone with the required knowledge and skills to apply for our job vacancies.

We have been working hard to create a truly inclusive and supportive environment where all employees feel valued and can achieve a work life balance:
• We have a commitment to dignity and respect in the workplace where every individual's identity and culture is respected and valued.
• We do not tolerate bullying, harassment or victimisation and any complaints will be promptly and appropriately dealt with.
• All employees are treated fairly in learning and development and in their terms and conditions of service.
• We are a disability confident employer with leader status. This recognises our commitment to successfully employ and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions.
• We offer a guaranteed interview for all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria in the person specification.
• We have several employee networks in place including disability, LGBT+ and carers’ networks which are also open to allies to ensure we all pull together in a positive and proactive way. Our networks have proved to be an invaluable means of raising awareness and supporting staff.
• We are Stonewall Diversity Champions and ensure our policies and practices are LGBT+ inclusive.
• We offer a range of flexible working practices and supportive polices to ensure our employees can achieve work life balance.
• We are working hard to close our gender pay gap (although comparatively low) thorough initiatives such as our mentoring programme and encouraging women to pursue ‘non-traditional’ careers such as engineering. More can be found on the council’s gender pay gap page - https://www.durham.gov.uk/genderpaygap

Find out more on the council’s approach at our Equality and Diversity webpage - https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/2292/Equality-Diversity