The RAF is celebrating National Inclusion Week 2021 with a virtual conference focussing on inclusivity themes.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Other topics discussed will include a LGBT+ history from World War I, and a uniform update following several recent changes to the appearance policy.
The Deputy Commander Capability, Air Marshal Andrew Turner tweeted about Nation Inclusion Week 2021.
Thank you @CSEL_NATOAIRCOM and the @RoyalAirForce D&I team for bringing me into the #NationalInclusionWeek2021 conversation. Lots to talk about - behaviours, language, policies, uniforms - all of which are central to ensuring Everyone matters, Everyday, Everywhere. pic.twitter.com/pQoW3RPygJ
— Air Marshal Andrew Turner, Royal Air Force (@AndrewTurnerRAF) September 28, 2021
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.
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.