Notts: Council takes pride in Stonewall ranking rise

The latest Stonewall Education Equality Index ranks Notts County Council as 13th out of 45 local authorities for its work with schools, community groups and other organisations. In 2013, it was ranked 33rd out of 42.

The County Council received a special award, most improved Local Authority, in recognition of the rapid progress it has made in the last 12 months.

Speaking on the eve of the annual Nottingham Pride event, where the County Council will showcase a number of its services, Coun Alan Rhodes, leader of Notts County Council said: “I am delighted that Stonewall has recognised the substantial progress the county council is making on equalities and how we are embedding fairness and the celebration of difference throughout our services.”

“Our strengths have undoubtedly been the partnerships we have established and our work with young people’s groups, such as WOW (Worksop Out on Wednesdays).

“We’ve also worked very closely with head teachers and governors on developing the curriculum to include work on challenging homophobic and transphobic bullying.”

“We know there is still a long way to go - and we remain determined to break into the top 10 local authorities - but huge credit should go to our equalities team and employees throughout our service areas for the magnificent progress we’ve made in the last 12 months.”