Since its approval by Belleville City Council in March 2023, over 20 local businesses and organizations have become signatories to the City of Belleville’s Workplace Inclusion Charter. The charter is now being reintroduced to the community with an enhanced focus on action, accountability and support, building on its original goal of fostering safe, inclusive workplaces for equity-deserving populations while supporting Belleville’s local economy.
Under the updated charter, participating employers will follow a structured, self-directed process designed to turn commitment into action. This includes completing a free equity, diversity and inclusion self-assessment, receiving a customized report with recommended actions and a 45-minute coaching session with a certified inclusion advisor to assist with their inclusion plan.
“Inclusion isn’t a one-time commitment, it’s ongoing work,” said Mayor Neil Ellis. “This refreshed charter focuses on giving employers the practical support they need to build respectful, welcoming workplaces that help people succeed and choose to stay in Belleville.”
The program is being developed as an evolving initiative to provide employers with access to best practices and self-directed resources that support meaningful, achievable progress based on their unique workplace needs.
The Belleville Workplace Inclusion Charter calls on employers to be leaders and adopt the following principles:
- Diversity contributes to the strength and prosperity of our businesses, organizations and our community,
- Equity is fundamental to successful inclusion,
- Everybody deserves a safe and respectful work environment,
- Employers play an important role in facilitating successful inclusion for Belleville residents, and
- Inclusive, diverse and equitable workplaces should benefit all.
The Workplace Inclusion Charter is about moving from intention to implementation. The program is delivered in partnership with the Quinte Local Immigration Partnership (QLIP) and supported by KEYS Job Centre in Kingston.
“We’re proud to partner with the City of Belleville, Economic Development, on this initiative and collaborate with KEYS, whose leadership in the National Community of Practice for Workplace Inclusion Charters brings valuable expertise to our community, “said Cat Fisher-Andrews of QLIP. “By working with experienced practitioners, we adapt best practices to local realities. In doing so, we support signatories as champions for change, advancing the charter’s ideals through practical, on-the-ground actions.”
For more information or to sign the Workplace Inclusion Charter, visit the Belleville BIQ Workplace Inclusion Charter webpage or contact Victoria Watts, Business Growth & Retention Specialist at vwatts@belleville.ca.
