Diversity means difference. Equality and diversity at work means recognising that people are different, and using the differences between people to build strong and creative teams. Many companies now realise that diversity in their workforce leads to more creative ways of working. For example, IBM says:

IBM is an organisation founded upon innovation. Without diverse and collaborative teams that corporate goal cannot be reached.

Engineering and technology companies have sponsored Interconnect because they recognise that there needs to be more women working in these sectors in Scotland.

At present, women are very under-represented in some courses at colleges and universities, and in many workplaces. Some areas of work in the past have not welcomed women, people from ethnic minorities, older people and people with disabilities. Most people, and most companies, recognise that those attitudes are out of date. Discrimination is also illegal now.  Equality legislation has helped to challenge discrimination and prejudice, but there are still big equality gaps.

Organisations campaigning on equality issues and providing advice to individuals

National Union of Students
NUS is a federation of students unions in the UK. NUS runs campaigns on equality issues They are actively campaigning around issues including issues for students who are parents, experiences of black students in education, access for students with disability. They have a national women’s officer in Scotland, and have been active in supporting us at Interconnect.

Directgov
Government guide to discrimination and bullying in the workplace, and your rights

Equality & Human Rights Commission
Championing equality and human rights for all

Citizens Advice Bureau
Provides free confidential advice to individuals

SKILL Scotland 
National Bureau for Students With Disabilities

The Scottish Disability Equality Forum
A membership organisation working for social inclusion in Scotland through the removal of barriers and the promotion of equal access for people affected by disability.

Age Concern Scotland
Supporting a wide network of older people and older people's groups, campaigning against discrimination
 
Young Scot 
Scottish Youth information for 11-26 year olds

Scottish Resource Centre for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology
Sets out to create sustainable change for the participation of women in the SET (Science, Engineering, Technology) sectors in Scotland.

UK Resource Centre for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology
UK’s leading Centre providing information and advisory services to employers and organisations in the SET sectors and supporting women entering, returning and progressing in these fields.

Stonewall
Organisation campaigning for the rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transexual (LGBT) people

LGBT Youth 
Campaigning for the rights of LGBT youth

Scottish Transgender Alliance 
Provides information to support transgender people in understanding and accessing their human rights, and support to employers on equality issues

Scottish Inter Faith Council 
Working together as people of faith for a just and inclusive Scotland