First Bus is launching a ‘Month of Inclusion’ on Tuesday 1 November to coincide with Purple Tuesday, a social movement to improve the customer experience for disabled people and their families.
Through a series of 17 short, 60-90 second videos, colleagues from across First Bus will be sharing their lived experiences of disability, race, LGBTQ+, mental health and gender equality. The aim is to build knowledge and awareness of diversity and create an atmosphere of inclusion where people can feel comfortable, confident and supported while at work.
The operator will also be launching a confidential First Bus Census later in the month, the results of which will be used to inform its journey towards becoming fully inclusive.
In a letter to staff, Managing Director Janette Bell said: “We are all responsible for inclusivity in our business and I know that together we can create a place where everyone is welcome, and our differences are celebrated.â€
The initiative has been welcomed by Bus Users whose Chief Executive, Claire Walters, is Disability and Access Ambassador for the bus industry. The charity also runs ‘Let’s Talk Accessibility’ events to address barriers to travel for disabled people and a social media campaign #BeBusKind which calls for passengers and staff to be respectful to each other when travelling.
Claire Walters said: “The First Bus Month of Inclusion is a great opportunity to learn from the lived experiences of other people. By building understanding and tolerance, not only do operators become better places to work, they become better at meeting the needs of the communities they serve.â€
Find out more about First Bus Month of Inclusion