An event celebrating Southampton’s commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion took place on 10th June at the University of Southampton’s John Hansard Gallery. Organised by independent charity, Southampton Forward, the SO:Inclusive event brought together partners and stakeholders from across the city to focus on collaborative ways to make a positive change in Southampton.
The sharing event marked the culmination of a six-month programme where representatives from the city’s voluntary, public, business and charitable sectors came together to explore ways to take collective steps to build the inclusive city that Southampton strives to be. Over the course of the programme, the group learned more about equity, diversity and inclusion and developed a set of priorities
Through round-table discussions, attendees suggested an inclusive charter to provide guidelines on recruitment, inclusive messaging, language, and explore effective ways of valuing the expertise of the city’s diverse communities. This could also feature a statement of inclusion in Southampton developed by young people
Signing up to the charter will demonstrate an organisation’s commitment to build on equity, inclusion and diversity through their operational systems and engagement.
Delivered in partnership with the University of Southampton, SO:Inclusive (#SOInclusive) is just the start of a network of organisations working collaboratively to share ideas, best practice and find solutions.
Claire Whitaker, CEO of Southampton Forward, said: We have been delighted by everyone’s support and commitment to focus firmly on diversity, equity and inclusion and empowering the young leaders of tomorrow. The energy and time given to this programme by all involved has been invaluable, despite the limited resources and many pulls on people’s availability. Thank you to the SO:Inclusive participants who designed and developed the approach with us and showed us how coming together, challenging the status quo and emphasising accountability will mark the change makers of our city.
“Special thanks go to guest speakers Pascal Matthias (University of Southampton), Cllr Lorna Fielker (leader of Southampton City Council) and to Amanda Parker who boldly facilitated the six month programme enabling curiosity to thrive and provided the space and openness to challenge.”
Cultural business strategist Amanda Parker, who builds inclusive change strategies for creative and cultural environments, commented: “When Claire Whitaker invited me to help Southampton Forward and its partner organisations to build on the work started in 2021 and help them to collectively take their next steps to building an inclusive city, I was motivated.
“From multi-site commercial partners whose business concerns straddle retail and hospitality, to the city’s academic, leisure and cultural and civic leaders, the breadth of partnership suggested to me an exciting opportunity. If these interests were in the one room together the opportunities for making lasting inclusive change would be far-reaching and powerful.
“It has been fantastic to have representation in the group from the council, from Southampton Football Club, and a collection of incredible expertise drawn from a range of cultural and social enterprises.” She noted that the visibility of organisations’ commitment to what has been started by this project will narrow the gap between who is in the room in Southampton and who is on the outside looking in.”
The SO:Inclusive group will meet again in a few months to move forward the action around the Citywide charter. Organisations and individuals who wish to get involved can help shape this next chapter in Southampton’s inclusive journey. For more information follow Southampton Forward on socials or sign up to the mailing list here.
