David Drew, MP for Stroud
“It is vital we make every member of the local community feel a part of it. The work that NALC’s Diversity Commission is carrying out will help local councils achieve this. I encourage people from all backgrounds to get involved with their local council to make a positive change in their area. I wholeheartedly support the project.”
George Howarth, MP for Knowsley
“This initiative is both timely and relevant. Timely, because in this period of uncertainty about our place in the world, a commitment to diversity in any part of our public life makes an important statement about our public inclusivity. It is also relevant because as a society we need to reinforce the message that difference is good.”
Fawcett Society
“It is vital that we get more woman, and more diverse woman, into every level of government across the country and that includes parish and town councils. They make decisions that affect everyone in their areas, and greater diversity will mean better decisions are made.”
"Fawcett Society will continue to support NALC, as it works to get more woman, and people from different backgrounds in, and will encourage woman to participate in local councils at every opportunity."
Rachel Wall, Local Governance Research Unit
“To encourage more young people to get involved with their local council”
Kevin Wilson MBE, Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Association of Local Councils
"To ensure our services reach out to all our communities and reflect their needs"
Sir David Amess, MP for Southend West
"I will do all I can to help under-represented groups achieve their goals"
Blandford Forum Town Council, Dorset
"It is the aim of the council to ensure that no employee or job applicant receives less favourable facilities or treatment (either directly or indirectly) in recruitment or employment on grounds of age, disability, marriage / civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race/nationality, religion or belief, gender/gender reassignment or sexual orientation. The council aims that its workforce and Councillors are representative of all sections of society and each employee and member feels respected and able to give of their best. Councillor vacancies are widely advertised with the aim of reaching and encouraging a diverse group of potential applicants and all Councillors must adhere to the Code of Conduct. The council opposes all forms of discrimination or victimisation."
Sam Coleman, Democracy4Bexhill
“To give young people a voice and encourage young people from all parts of the community to get involved in local governance”
Berwick upon Tweed Town Council
“Berwick upon Tweed Town Council has pledged to use qualitative and quantitative research to map hard to reach and diverse communities in our town, and to check whether our work addresses the needs and aspirations of those communities.”
Faisal Rashid, MP for Warrington South
“I want councils to be representative of their local communities.”
National Association of Women Organisation
“Creating a more prosperous and peaceful society means the voice of women and girls is heard and heeded at all levels – representing their numbers as the majority of the population. This includes women at all levels of governance. With more diverse women in local government the needs and perspectives of diverse communities will be better met and society as a whole improved. NAWO continues to support NALC as it works to ensure people from all walks of life into local councils and will encourage women and girls to participate actively.”