Stroud District Council celebrates National Inclusion Week 2025
This week, Stroud District Council is proud to be part of National Inclusion Week 2025, a UK-wide celebration of inclusion in the workplace and beyond. The theme this year is #NowIsTheTime, a reminder that inclusion isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s essential, especially in challenging times.
Run by Inclusive Employers, the week encourages organisations to take real steps toward making their spaces more welcoming, fair, and accessible for everyone.
Cllr Cath Moore, Chair of the EDIEB working group, says inclusion is fundamental to the council’s work: “At Stroud District Council, we’re not just talking about inclusion—we’re putting it into action. Through our EDIEB Policy, we’re listening to our communities, leading with inclusive values, and building a workforce that reflects and respects the diversity around us. From mandatory training to inclusive consultations, we’re making sure everyone has a voice and a place in shaping the services we deliver.”
The council has also made its website more accessible by adding Recite Me, a tool that helps people with disabilities, visual impairments, learning difficulties, or those who speak English as a second language. It includes:
- Text-to-speech
- Translation into over 100 languages
- Customisable fonts and colours
- Reading aids
“This is a big step forward in making our digital services easier to use for everyone,” said Liz Shellam, Head of Customer Contact. “Recite Me helps us make sure no one is left out. It’s part of our ongoing work to ensure we are fully accessible and inclusive – this has recently seen us redesign our reception area to make sure all visitors feel welcomed and have the best facilities we can offer.”
Throughout the week, the council will be sharing resources with staff and highlighting inclusive practices across teams. Staff are encouraged to explore the Supporters Toolkit from Inclusive Employers, which includes webinars, quizzes, and conversation starters to help keep the momentum going.
Cllr Moore said: “Now is the time to make inclusion part of everything we do, not just this week, but every day.”
For more information on Stroud District Council’s EDIEB initiatives, visit www.stroud.gov.uk. To learn more about National Inclusion Week, visit Inclusive Employers.
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