The Countdown has begun!
The countdown has now begun, and the event that everyone has
been waiting for is now only a matter of days away. Although it
hardly seems any time at all since those memorable scenes when it
was announced back in 2005 that London had been successful in its
bid to host the Olympics,
the greatest sporting event on Earth will soon be here, in our own
country. And not only do we welcome the Games, but also the best
athletes and sportspeople on the planet, and with them millions of
spectators and media representatives from around the world. It will
truly be an unforgettable spectacle, and something that will be
talked about for generations to come. For sports fans, like myself,
and those who may not be interested in the sporting aspect but
appreciate the Olympics for the magnificent event it is, the vast
majority of us will be eagerly awaiting those moments of history
that will no doubt be made. Exciting times indeed.
But for me, the Olympics is so much more than just a sporting
tournament - it is a beacon of diversity, and an opportunity to
celebrate the inclusiveness that brings. Millions of people of
different faiths, beliefs and backgrounds, all united in their
common love of sport and their desire to see a phenomenal occasion.
Furthermore, it is the culmination of years of hard work and
commitment by all involved - the athletes, whose dedication to
their sport will be put to the ultimate test; their coaches, who
have worked so hard to help their athletes achieve their dreams;
and the event organisers, who have worked so hard behind the scenes
to make London 2012 among the best Olympic Games ever held. So
while we celebrate the sporting excellence at the Games, let's also
remember the positive impact they will be having on our awareness
of diversity, and in promoting our own desire to succeed and to
work hard to achieve our goals.
Here at Assessment North East, we are very lucky to work with a
number of organisations and individuals whose commitment to both
equality and diversity (E&D), and to hard work, is really first
rate. Recently, we held an event in conjunction with Tyne &
Wear Fire and Rescue Service, to help showcase the giant strides it
has made in promoting E&D, and to encourage the supply chain to
follow its lead. Through taking its responsibilities seriously and
working hard to achieve its goals, the Service is now the joint top
Fire and Rescue Service in the UK in the esteemed Stonewall
Workplace Equality Index. While Tyne & Wear Fire and Rescue
Service is undoubtedly already a beacon for others to follow, what
is just as pleasing is that their efforts do not stop here - the
team is continually introducing new initiatives in the workplace
and in the community they serve to promote E&D, as a means to
make their command as a whole a better place to live and work. We
are very proud to work with them as they continue to build on what
they have already achieved.
Another organisation not averse to going beyond the call of duty
to achieve their goals is A&M Electricals. Despite its premises
in Washington being destroyed by fire last September, the company
has made sure its commitment to E&D has not faltered. As well
as having to relocate and ensure the smooth running of the business
during such a turbulent period, A&M has enrolled its 31 staff
onto an E&D course, has devised and implemented new policies
and procedures, and has appointed a workplace ambassador to ensure
the company continually goes beyond its duties as a fair employer.
A&M's determination to overcome challenges - and admittedly,
few challenges are bigger than the loss of your headquarters - to
achieve its goals has been outstanding. I am certain the company
will act as an inspiration to others. If you ever think you don't
have time or are too busy to go beyond your legal E&D
obligations, remember the example set by A&M, and hopefully
you'll realise that genuine commitment to the cause, coupled with a
desire to succeed, is the key to success.
Enjoy the Olympics - if you're a sports fan, I hope your
athletes are victorious, whichever nation you support; if you will
be tuning in just to appreciate the spectacle it is, I hope it
exceeds your expectations. But equally, I hope the legacy of London
2012 is not just to encourage future success in sport. I hope that,
through opening our eyes further to cultures from around the world,
we can appreciate the need for greater commitment to equality and
diversity, and commit to helping achieve that. Even for those
individuals and organisations who have already made excellent
achievements in that field, there is always more we can do to be
the best we can be. And in the way that the athletes, coaches and
everyone behind the scenes who has helped make these Olympic Games
special have not shirked from hard work to help them achieve their
goals, neither should we in achieving ours.