Local government has long prided itself on its record of equality and diversity – even at times when its senior leadership remained far from diverse and when frontline staff were still fighting battles over equal pay.
Progress has undoubtedly been made, and there is at least recognition that work remains to be done. But while councils can point to the promotion of women and global majority candidates into senior roles – and celebrate catering staff finally earning the same as refuse workers – they cannot ignore what persists within their own workplace cultures.
