Emcy Award Winner

City/Community Award

Diversity is at the forefront of the City of London's work. This is evident in its inclusion as a strategic priority of London's City Council (Creative, Diverse and Innovative City). Recognition and appreciation of the diverse nature of their community brings strength to the City of London. They have made a number of outstanding contributions through innovative policies, events, programs, initiatives and community partnerships. A core value of the corporation's more than 2500 employees is to embrace diversity. Diversity training for staff is a cornerstone of the professional development focus and they have hosted volunteer placements of students with special needs from a local high school. In 2006 the City of London was recognized for instituting international best practice in the area of Facility Accessibility Design Standards. The City of London played a leadership role in facilitating the development of a community plan entitled Welcoming Cultural Diversity in London. This plan has become the framework for the implementation of many local initiatives. Other notable events hosted by the City of London include the launch of the Mayor's Task Force to End Woman Abuse and the Celebrating London's Cultural Diversity Conference (attended by 350 representatives of community, business and service agency organizations). Another highlight is the focus groups the City conducted with members of cultural communities to gather information about barriers to participation in recreation programs.