This week we profile the shortlisted companies and individuals in this year's in-Cumbria Business Awards, in association with NRL.

The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony at Dalston Hall, Carlisle, on November 29, hosted by broadcaster Zara Janjua.

Best Diversity and Inclusion Business, Sponsored by KBR

The Peoples Conference Centre

The Peoples Conference Centre in Carlisle exemplifies excellence in inclusivity, seamlessly integrating diversity into its operations. Committed to creating a welcoming environment, the centre has introduced a range of initiatives to foster an inclusive culture.

To ensure equal opportunities for all candidates, the centre has implemented inclusive hiring practices such as blind recruitment to reduce biases, partnered with local organisations to create a diverse talent pool and offered internships and job shadowing for individuals from underrepresented groups. The result is a workforce that mirrors a wide array of ethnicities, genders, ages, and abilities, which enriches the workplace culture and enhances service quality.

The centre provides ongoing training to support its employees, including cultural competence training, workshops on unconscious bias and inclusive leadership, and career development opportunities aimed at underrepresented groups. It also supports several Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) that enable employees to connect and advocate for their communities, including groups for women, LGBTQ+ individuals, people of colour, and those with disabilities.

Engagement with the local community is another key aspect of the centre’s approach. It hosts events celebrating diverse cultures and traditions, offers its facilities for local diversity-focused meetings and collaborates with schools and organisations to provide educational workshops on diversity.

Inclusive policies at the centre include flexible working arrangements, comprehensive healthcare covering mental health and LGBTQ+ support, and paid parental leave. These efforts have resulted in high employee satisfaction and retention, boosted innovation and enhanced productivity.

Carlisle College

Carlisle College aims to create life-changing opportunities that enhance the prosperity of local communities through inclusive, excellent learning and teaching practices. The college is dedicated to shaping the future workforce by helping individuals from all backgrounds acquire essential skills for community success.

The college’s mission, "to enable social mobility and economic prosperity through exceptional education," is supported by core values that guide its operations and interactions. These values reflect how they conduct their work.

Carlisle College also supports a diverse range of higher needs learners through tailored programmes and strong partnerships. Its Supported Internship programme has successfully led to permanent employment for learners and it plans to expand these opportunities in the future.

The college fosters a welcoming environment for the LGBTQ+ community and neurodivergent students, actively promoting inclusion through various initiatives and training. Community engagement is further enhanced by hosting events and collaborating with local groups to celebrate diversity.

In its support of refugees and asylum seekers, Carlisle College provides comprehensive ESOL programmes and employs a Ukrainian refugee tutor to offer authentic support. Their work extends to raising awareness and fostering empathy through initiatives like the "Escape to Safety" exhibition.

The Cumberland Building Society

The Cumberland aims to foster a banking experience that is both people and planet-friendly.

In March 2024 this year, Jill Johnston, Chief People and Sustainability Officer, introduced the ‘Belonging’ strategy to enhance diversity and inclusion, ensuring that every employee feels valued and heard. This initiative is designed to cultivate a workplace where staff can thrive by embracing diverse perspectives and fostering a sense of belonging.

The Cumberland has engaged leading experts, such as Dr Grace Lordan from the London School of Economics, to inform their approach. By integrating insights from cutting-edge research, the society aims to better meet the needs of both employees and the communities it serves.

The ‘Belonging’ strategy emphasises creating opportunities for progression, increasing visibility, valuing employee contributions and encouraging diverse voices. This approach builds on a longstanding commitment to a respectful and engaging work environment. The launch of this strategy marks a renewed focus on cultivating a workplace where every employee can bring their authentic selves.

Recent achievements include increasing female representation in senior roles to 50 per cent, which has enhanced decision-making and culture. The Cumberland has also been recognised for its commitment to employee wellbeing, earning two-star status for workplace engagement in the Best Companies survey.

Efforts to promote diversity extend beyond gender, including support for neurodiverse employees and women experiencing menopause. Initiatives like flexible working practices, a Neurodiversity Toolkit, and a dedicated Menopause Support Group reflect the Society’s broader commitment to inclusivity.

As Cumbria’s largest financial institution, The Cumberland continues to invest in its people and community, celebrating its 175th anniversary in 2025 with a strong focus on socially responsible banking.