When speaking with residents, a strong and consistent message comes through time and again: we all want a district where every person can feel they belong, where everyone has a fair chance to thrive, and where no one is left behind.

The Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (EDIB) Charter that we are working on with the Forest of Dean Inclusion Group is a practical, positive step toward making that vision a reality.

Let me be clear: this charter isn’t about bureaucracy or box‑ticking. It’s about strengthening the strong foundations of our community. When we talk about equality and equity , we’re talking about fairness – giving everyone a fair chance, with no barriers for physical or mental health issues, ethnicity or sexuality. Diversity is about recognising the richness of different experiences and perspectives of everyone – a forest that only had spruce trees growing in it would be a less interesting, less robust place. Inclusion ensures that every resident, regardless of age, background, ability, identity or circumstance, feels valued and able to participate fully in local life. Belonging is an emotional experience, a feeling of being accepted, supported and respected – a sense of place, a sense of home.

The Forest of Dean has always been a place shaped by strong communities and a deep sense of identity, but like every district, we all face the challenges of modern life. Sadly, I sometimes meet residents born and bred in the Forest who still encounter barriers when accessing services or even accessing buildings, finding work, or feeling represented in local decision‑making. The EDIB Charter will give us a shared framework to tackle those barriers head‑on.

It commits the council to improving how we listen, how we communicate and how we design support services. It encourages local organisations, businesses, education and community groups to join us in creating a district where respect and fairness are the norm. It provides a clear set of principles that guide our work, from recruitment and public engagement to the way we support vulnerable residents.

Importantly, this charter is not about dividing people or elevating one group over another. It is about strengthening the whole community. When workplaces are fairer, they perform better. When public spaces feel welcoming, more people use them. When young people see themselves reflected in local leadership, they feel more connected to their home. Inclusion benefits everyone.

The charter will also help us prepare for the future. It signals that we are forward‑looking, confident and committed to fairness.

Ultimately, the EDIB Charter will encourage every sector of our community to commit to a promise - a promise that we will treat each other with dignity, that we will challenge

inequality where we find it, and that we will build a district where everyone can flourish and belong. It’s a promise I’m proud to stand behind, and one, I believe will make our community stronger, fairer and happier for generations to come.