Latest news with #Diversity&Inclusion
BBC News
20-03-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Bristol officer honoured for removing barriers to sport
A police officer from Bristol, who became disabled after surviving a hit-and-run, has been recognised for improving accessibility at a bowls Lambourne, who works for Avon and Somerset Police, was the victim of a motorbike accident while driving home from duty, in November left him with several injuries and he has had a total of 19 operations so Lambourne went on to join the Olveston and District Bowls Club, north of Bristol, where he has helped to install new accessibility aids. Mr Lambourne, who also used to coach sports, told the BBC's Extra Time programme that his life "changed completely" after the was previously right-handed and has had to adapt by learning to use his left hand, due to the resulting said it was an occupational therapist who suggested he tried bowls, which he admitted he thought was for "old people"."It was something I'd never thought of," he said."I used to play cricket, rugby, football and volleyball, but after losing all of my sports to my injuries, I went to bowls."As soon as I got on the green and started playing, I fell in love with it." Mr Lambourne became a member of the Bristol Arrow Bowling Club and did a coaching course there, before joining Olveston and District Bowls joining over a decade ago, he has helped secure more than £5,500 in grants to improve accessibility and inclusivity at the Gloucestershire he has taken on a leading role introducing a range of accessibility aids, including arm extensions, a bowls wheelchair and a special ramp to help members with mobility issues get onto the green. 'It keeps me going' Mr Lambourne has also been trying to bring more young people to the club."The perspective that bowls is an old sport is so far from the truth," he said."It's not something youngsters come across very often, so getting them involved is hard work."But this year we have five young members joining the beginners course, and hopefully they'll then tell their friends. "It looks like we're going in the right direction." Bowls England Awards, which celebrate individuals and teams within the bowls community, recognised Mr Lambourne with a Diversity & Inclusion awards event took place on the 22 about the difference playing bowls has made since his accident 27 years ago, he said without it his life would not have been the same."If it wasn't for bowls, I don't know where I would be," he said."It has certainly helped the social side and being able to be competitive again, as sports kept me going mentally and physically."
ME Construction
20-02-2025
- Business
- ME Construction
Acciona launches operational skills development program for women
Diversity & Inclusion Acciona launches operational skills development program for women By The six-month training program aims to introduce participants to the technical and operational aspects of the water sector ACCIONA has launched an Operational Skills Development Program for women, an initiative to empower women from diverse backgrounds with the skills and knowledge needed to build successful careers in the water industry. The six-month training program aims to introduce participants to the technical and operational aspects of the sector, providing them with hands-on experience and mentorship under the guidance of project managers and operations heads. The program emphasises three core areas of development: health, safety, and environment (HSE) awareness, technical training that starts from the basics to accommodate those with no prior technical knowledge; and behavior training to ensure a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace. Participants will gain practical knowledge of plant operations and maintenance, covering critical aspects of plant functionality and operational department activities, the company explained. In addition, the program addresses workplace behavior, equipping both participants and onsite teams with the skills to identify and address inappropriate conduct, such as unlawful discrimination, bullying, sexual harassment, victimisation, and vilification to ensure a supportive environment. ACCIONA highlighted the significant progress made in Qatar in fostering diversity within the industry. Among their water staff in Qatar, women in Operations & Maintenance (O&M) team represents more than 30% of the workforce which is said to be a huge achievement in the industry. This reflects not only their commitment to organisational policies promoting inclusion but also Qatar's dedication to social and economic development through gender diversity, the firm explained. The company said that it remains committed to increasing these numbers, further strengthening women's participation in the workforce and contributing to the nation's long-term vision for a more inclusive and equitable society. The program is aimed at women who have a strong connection with the local culture and society and demonstrate an eagerness to develop technical skills relevant to the water industry. Following the completion of the six-month training program, ACCIONA will evaluate participants' performance and consider offering formal employment opportunities based on role availability at the company's water plants. Participants will gain experience in projects such as Ras Abu Fontas RO desalination plant and Umm al Houl RO desalination plant, preparing them for a transition into the water industry workforce. The program marks an important step forward in ACCIONA's commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the technical workforce. By creating opportunities for women to excel in traditionally underrepresented fields, ACCIONA aims to pave the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future.
