At West Midlands Combined Authority, we're committed to improving the lives of people across the region. It's the driving force behind everything we do.
To effectively fulfil our external aspirations, it is essential that we foster inclusivity within our organisation and cultivate a workforce that reflects the rich diversity of our region.
Equality and fairness lie at the core of our culture. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels respected, protected from discrimination, and empowered to thrive. We firmly believe that diversity brings forth different ideas and voices, enriching our collective perspectives.
Our empowering culture is designed to enable every individual to bring their whole selves to work. We aim to create a safe and supportive space where our employees feel comfortable and encouraged to be the best version of themselves.
In our commitment to inclusivity, we are dedicated to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible. We actively encourage and welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, and we are particularly eager to receive applications from women, members of ethnic minority groups, and individuals with disabilities who are currently underrepresented within our workforce. Rest assured, all appointments will be made based on merit.
At WMCA, we believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is fundamental to our success. By embracing and celebrating our differences, we can better serve the needs of our region and create a truly inclusive and representative organization.
Employee Networks
As an organisation that values diversity and inclusion, we aim to foster an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and encouraged to contribute to their fullest potential. In line with this goal, we encourage the development of voluntary, employee-driven diversity networks that benefit employees and organisational goals.
At present, WMCA has four staff diversity networks. These networks are independent and employee-led, and open to all employees who are passionate about the agenda.
These networks…
- Provide a safe space for employees to have real, honest conversations about their work-life experiences.
- Offer a forum for networking and sharing experiences about working at WMCA.
- Connect and empower individuals across the organisation by providing a sense of community, cultivating an inclusive culture, and raising awareness of diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
- Form part of the consultative process across a wide range of workplace issues (where relevant/needed) and generally act as a resource hub for information.
- Give a collective voice on issues that matter.
- Identify areas in need of improvement and suggest areas in need of policy and attention.
- Generate ideas and serve as sounding boards for targeted campaigns.
Our Disability Network is live and active and committed to support the organisation on the inclusion and disability inclusion agenda.
The network is for anyone, including those who may not identify as disabled but have an impairment or condition, care for someone with a disability, or are interested in a more inclusive workplace.
Aims of the network:
- Promote equality for disabled employees, those with long-term health conditions, and those with caring responsibilities.
- Provide a forum for networking and a safe space for discussions.
- Support the development of a Disability Confident workforce.
- Contribute to the consultative process on workplace issues.
- Offer peer review to ensure inclusivity in plans, projects, and policies.
- Elevate the importance of disability equality within WMCA.
- Raise issues to improve the workplace and contribute to policy development.
- Support WMCA and partners in making the most of disabled talent.
The LGBTQ+ Network has been established by LGBTQ+ people, to create and support an inclusive workplace here in the WMCA.
The LGBTQ+ network is open to everyone, including LGBTQ+ individuals, active allies, and those passionate about supporting workplace diversity. It aims to create an inclusive workplace at WMCA and provide a safe environment to discuss LGBTQ+ issues.
Aims of the network:
- Connect LGBTQ+ colleagues and allies.
- Offer social opportunities linking to other networks and inclusive groups.
- Provide a safe space for communication and representation.
- Engage in issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community.
- Inform WMCA policy, especially those impacting the LGBTQ+ community.
The Race Diversity Network is open to all employees, with a focus on representing those from minority ethnic backgrounds.
Aims of the network:
- Informing understanding of race issues
- Providing a safe space for staff to share experiences
- Supporting the direction of policy and being a force for change
- Sharing best practice, and
- Shaping the use of language around race
The Women’s Network promotes gender equality in the workplace. The network is open to all female employees and also their allies and those passionate about diversity in the workplace.
Aims of the network:
- Provide a safe space for women and their allies to discuss gender related issues
- Inform WMCA policy and create a workplace which allows women staff to thrive and achieve their potential at work.
- Reduce barriers for women in their careers at the WMCA
The Women’s network has played a key role in shaping several policies – most notably the Maternity policy at the WMCA. As women have a higher likelihood of taking on caring responsibilities outside of work the network has also input to the WMCA Carers policy.
The network has held events including the menopause café and continues to work with and for women to create a safe environment to discuss women’s issues.
Accreditations
We hold a number of accreditations that enable us to benchmark ourselves against others and strive for continuous improvement.
As well as offering flexible working opportunities, WMCA is a Disability Confident employer and offer support and reasonable adjustments as required. We also have a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates who declare a disability or where the Armed Forces was their last long-term substantive employer, where they meet all the essential criteria for the role.
We are an equal opportunities employer that cultivates and celebrates diversity, and everyone is involved in making WMCA an inclusive and great place to work. We strive to become an employer of choice with a workforce that reflects the region's diverse community, at all levels of the organisation.
Armed Forces Covenant
We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and take part in the Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates
Disability Confident employer
We're a Disability Confident employer and offer support and reasonable adjustments as required.
But don’t take our word for it. Hear from some of our people.
"The Combined Authority is a good place to work for me. I can develop and learn in my own area of expertise, as well as other areas of activity. The flexibility that the hybrid/agile working culture offers is great for my work-life balance. I can do the school run 2-3 times a week and go for a good walk or to the gym around my workload and meetings”
Kwabena, Equality and Diversity Manager
“The WMCA has greatly supported me becoming a parent and finding a good home/work life balance. The maternity policy enabled me to take 12 months of leave, with a supportive pay package. Flexible working has meant I have been able to reduce my working hours, helping me to navigate both the return to work and parental responsibilities. Since I went on maternity leave, the maternity and adoption leave policy has been enhanced further.”
Emma, Cycling and Walking Development Officer