Norfolk comes 4th in Stonewall Equality Index!

Some of you will be aware that I was seconded for two and a half years to Lead on the Stonewall Education Champions programme with the Advisory Service. Although no longer am doing this work, I wanted to be the first to share with you our fantastic result. Last week we were advised from Stonewall that Norfolk has come 4th in this year's Stonewall Equality Index. This was out of 47 Local Authorities and means we have moved up the ranks (last year 8th, the year before 14th) since I began entering Norfolk in this Index. Stonewall have said that they are very impressed with our partnership working and the training we have offered schools and organisations. They also think we have made great inroads with our direct work with young people to help them challenge homophobia especially homophobic language. Some of our practice they have recognised as unique namely the additional focus on challenging homophobia in the governors Equalities toolkit (contact Tina Brown for a copy - tina.brown@norfolk.gov.uk). Janet Palmer. Ofsted HMI recently advised me that she shared this with other Ofsted Inspectors in a recent team meeting.

This is a massive achievement and reflects some of the good practice that we are making in tackling discrimination in Norfolk! Thank you to all the schools and staff who have made this possible. We should feel rightfully proud of what we have achieved!

Talking of Pride, I just want to remind you of the Norwich Pride event on Saturday 25 July. If you haven't been before it is a fantastic event and great to be part of and show your support to. Sadly due to a family wedding I won't be there this year but there will be a Norfolk County Council stand along with lots of other stands in the Forum. Please do circulate the details to staff and young people.

Any queries relating to the Norwich Pride march go to www.norwichpride.org.uk or Equalities Index contact me directly - Rita Adair.