Equality and diversity

Supporting our diverse workforce

Bolton council engages in equality work as part of its duty as a public sector organisation.  Our policies and processes form part of our infrastructure to support an environment where people from all groups and our diverse communities feel included, supported, and are treated fairly in accessing all opportunities.  We are committed to working to eliminate all forms of bullying, harassment and discrimination and have produced a 'Dignity at Work Statement' to support all employees and managers. 

Within the council, we also undertake a number of activities to support employees, such as: 

• We are committed to delivering the objectives and actions of a range of equality charter marks and frameworks.  To find out more, please visit our 'Commitments to staff webpage'. 

• Have a range of guidance for employees and managers, including guidance on transitioning gender; menopause; neurodivergent workers; and Ramadan. 

• Training programs which improve our employees knowledge of tools to better understand our communities, including resources for our Elected Members. 

• Staff networks for the diverse array of characteristics that are present within the council, to ensure they have a voice in the development of their workplace. 

• Events and drop-in session to support our workforce on key themes that are important to them.  

The developmental work we do for staff, is aimed at not only improving processes within the council, but also to improve how serve the community of Bolton. 

Bolton Council is committed to challenging inequality, discrimination and disadvantage through its employment practice. The Council recognises the value of diversity in employment and is committed to working practices which promote and protect equal opportunities for all staff. A core competency expected of all our managers is to understand and promote diversity and equality in the workplace.

If you would like further support in accessing some of these resources, please contact equalties@bolton.gov.uk, and we will help in whatever ways we can. 

Further information on Bolton Council’s policies can be accessed on our Policies, strategies and procedures page. 

For more information on advice for your workplace, visit the Equality Advisory Service.

For further guidance, you can also visit Individuals Equality and Human Rights Commission.

Bolton Council's workforce

• 3321

Gender

• Men 29% 967
• Women 71% 2354 

Age

• 16-25 117 4%
• 26-35 435 13%
• 36-45 677 20%
• 46-55 988 30%
• 56-65 1022 31
• 66-85 82 2%

Maternity / Paternity / Adoption leave

• 61 2% 

Ethnicity

• White (British/Irish) 2716 82%
• Asian/Asian British 273 8%
• Black/African/Caribbean 74 2%
• Other 112 3% 

LGBTQ+

• 100 3%

Religion

• Christian 1794 54%
• Muslim 217 7%
• Hindu 64 2%
• Buddhist 17 1%
• Other 69 2%
• No religion 846 25% 

Disability

• 86 3% 

Armed Forces Veterans and Reserves

• 38 1%

All data was correct at the time of publication (March 2024)