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RAF celebrates National Inclusion Week

Whole Force stand on steps outside buildng.
Defence Buddhist Network celebrate Vesak.

The RAF is celebrating National Inclusion Week 2021 with a virtual conference focussing on inclusivity themes.

Personnel wear headset at computer desks.

Starting on 27th September, the week sees a series of presentations by some fantastic internal and external speakers discussing topics such as how the RAF is facilitating talent, why inclusion is important and should be a basic human right, and the use of inclusive language.

Personnel visit the Central Gurdwara in Shepherd’s Bush.

This is a collaboration between the Air Diversity & Inclusion team and diversity networks across Defence, with speakers provided by the Disability Network, Sikh Network, and the Talent Management Cell.

You can listen to InsideAIR Episode 10, which discusses personnel living with a disability while in uniform and shares some of their experiences.

Personnel in the Punjabi temple.
The most senior Sikh in the Service, Warrant Officer Balbir Singh Flora, and the highest ranked Sikh in the Armed Forces, Wing Commander Manjeet Singh Ghataora visit the Central Gurdwara in Shepherd’s Bush with the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Wigston.
Wheelchair rugby player holding the ball.
Former RAF Regiment Gunner, Stu Robinson during the Great Britain vs Canada Tokyo 2020 Paralympics Wheelchair Rugby Team match,

There will be presentations about Inclusive Language, delivered by Ivy Speight from the MBDA Pride Network and Honorary Air Commodore Veronica Pickering.  Caroline Paige will then discuss how to get the best out of your people.

Personnel stand with Pride flag.
The RAF support Personnel in Pride marches. 

Air Officer Commanding 22 Group, Air Vice-Marshal Maddison, will share his story on Social Mobility, followed by a special Guest Speaker from the Social Mobility Commission.

Personnel sit in fencing outfits.

Other topics discussed will include a LGBT+ history from World War I, and a uniform update following several recent changes to the appearance policy.

Personnel take a selfie at Pride march.
The RAF also attended Pride March 2020 in London.

The Deputy Commander Capability, Air Marshal Andrew Turner tweeted about Nation Inclusion Week 2021.

Three female personnel.
Changes to the female appearance policy modernising our appearance policies empowers people with choice while maintaining the values and high standards of the RAF uniform.

There will also be a presentation by RAF Leeming, before the Air Diversity & Inclusion Team reveal future plans for the RAF’s continued growth of inclusion.  

Personnel standing.

The RAF celebrates our growing understanding of inclusion within the RAF Whole Force, empowering all to thrive and drive change to create the next generation of the RAF.  As one of the biggest employees in Defence, the RAF also ensure opportunities are available for the huge pool of talent under its workforce.

The Diversity & Inclusion Statement can be read here.