Copyright © 2009 Transform Work UK. All rights reserved. Growing Christian Groups within Diversity Frameworks Dr. Adrian Miles 14 th November 2009

2 Copyright © 2009 Transform Work UK. All rights reserved. Growing Christian Groups within Diversity Frameworks Aims of the session  Understand the differing nature of Christian Groups within the Workplace  Explore some of the opportunities and challenges for Christian Groups in the Workplace  Explore the benefits of diversity  Recognise God’s hand in diversity  Understand where Christians fit within diversity schemes and the support they can give to staff and the organisation.  Consider how to build a business case for workplace recognition within diversity frameworks  Have increased confidence in God’s plans for your workplace Group.

3 Copyright © 2009 Transform Work UK. All rights reserved. Growing Christian Groups within Diversity Frameworks Growth of Christian Workplace Groups Affiliated to TWUK:  Over 150 Christian Workplace Groups including:  BT; Audit Commission; HBOS; Hewlett Packard; Christians in Government; MOD; Network Rail; West Mercia Police; Councils: Merton Council; Dorset County Council; Plymouth City Council;  London Boroughs

4 Copyright © 2009 Transform Work UK. All rights reserved. Growing Christian Groups within Diversity Frameworks Affiliated to TWUK: Over 50 national professional associations including:  Association of Christian Teachers  Christian Firefighters  Lawyers Christian Fellowship  Probation Christian Fellowship  Veterinary Christian Fellowship

5 Copyright © 2009 Transform Work UK. All rights reserved. Growing Christian Groups within Diversity Frameworks Stages of Development of Christian Workplace Groups  Early Formation  Organisational Recognition  Organisational Integration  Organisational Celebration Working alongside other Diversity Networks Develop Positive Relationships in the Workplace!

6 Copyright © 2009 Transform Work UK. All rights reserved. Growing Christian Groups within Diversity Frameworks What stage is your Christian Group at in your workplace? Has the diversity framework within your workplace been helpful in your journey?

7 Copyright © 2009 Transform Work UK. All rights reserved. Growing Christian Groups within Diversity Frameworks Why and how do Christian Groups fit into Diversity Frameworks? A Positive Experience for Christian Groups? Diversity is at the heart of the Christian Faith

8 Copyright © 2009 Transform Work UK. All rights reserved. Growing Christian Groups within Diversity Frameworks ‘Aren’t diversity networks for those groups which sometimes experience discrimination? Christians aren’t discriminated against are they?’ Distinctions between Equality and Diversity  Equality is about fairness  You can’t have diversity without equality  Diversity is about added value and celebration

9 Copyright © 2009 Transform Work UK. All rights reserved. Growing Christian Groups within Diversity Frameworks Jesus:  treated women with respect;  mixed with the marginalised and outcasts;  healed people with disabilities;  healed people with mental health problems;  embraced people of different nationalities, faiths, people living by different moral codes.

10 Copyright © 2009 Transform Work UK. All rights reserved. Growing Christian Groups within Diversity Frameworks Diversity Networks are important to:  To Employers  To One Another  To the Organisation  To the Community  To God’s Kingdom

11 Copyright © 2009 Transform Work UK. All rights reserved. Growing Christian Groups within Diversity Frameworks Christians have a legitimate role in the workplace and in the tradition of Jesus, have as a starting point: love and friendship for one another and for all our work colleagues.

12 Copyright © 2009 Transform Work UK. All rights reserved. Growing Christian Groups within Diversity Frameworks Growing and Developing Christian Workplace Groups Two Case Examples

13 Copyright © 2009 Transform Work UK. All rights reserved. Growing Christian Groups within Diversity Frameworks Challenges and Opportunities When building a business case for having a Christian workplace fellowship, your managers and HR are likely to ask you a number of questions. Can you answer these clearly?  What benefits can your group bring to the organisation?  What would your attitude be to other diversity groups?  How will you work with other network groups?  Why should we support a single faith group? Wouldn’t it be better to have a multi-faith group?

14 Copyright © 2009 Transform Work UK. All rights reserved. Growing Christian Groups within Diversity Frameworks Dealing with differences within the Group  Different traditions  Different interpretations of scripture  Benefits of having/not having a statement of faith  Good communication is key!  Jesus provides focus for unity

15 Copyright © 2009 Transform Work UK. All rights reserved. Growing Christian Groups within Diversity Frameworks Building a Business Case within your Diversity Framework  Establish good communication  Determine what you want from the organisation?  Identify the benefits that your group can bring to the organisation?  Agree aims and objectives  Reporting and review mechanisms  Determining how you will run your group  Achieving Organisational Recognition What next steps/actions do you need to take?

16 Copyright © 2009 Transform Work UK. All rights reserved. Growing Christian Groups within Diversity Frameworks Contribution of Network Groups to Organisations  Commitment and increased contribution to the Organisation  Commitment to colleagues  Working positively with other networks  Making the most of skills and abilities  Releasing potential in the work place  Ethical standards  Bringing the whole of your attributes to work in a positive manner This includes Christians!

17 Copyright © 2009 Transform Work UK. All rights reserved. Growing Christian Groups within Diversity Frameworks Seek God’s view on the pace that He wants you to move at, but don’t be afraid to be bold!