The bid highlighted modern London’s distinctive diversity, its creativity and the huge ambition to regenerate one of the city’s most deprived areas. But what steps have been taken to ensure the Games are for everyone?
Diversity and Inclusion
More than 300 languages are spoken by the people of London, and the city has at least 50 non-indigenous communities with populations of 10,000 or more. With this in mind, LOCOG has made sure that diversity and inclusion is a key part of its planning, establishing a Diversity Board to oversee important work and ensure that Olympic and Paralympic Values are fulfilled.
In February 2010, Archbishop Desmond Tutu addressed the company and invited staff to sign a leadership pledge. This means LOCOG fulfils its obligation of incorporating D&I considerations in every key business decision it makes.
Business
The majority of contracts for London 2012 have been awarded to small and medium size-businesses, allowing everyone a means of getting involved with the Games. Larger firms were also obliged to undertake specific actions that fall within the D&I requirement. This process ensured that businesses of all sizes across the whole of the UK were given a chance to play their role.
Workforce
The process of creating employment opportunities in the LOCOG is now in full swing. In its height the company will have 6,500 staff, 125,000 contractors and 70,000 volunteers. In keeping with our promise to make London 2012 everyone's Games, the company is recruiting the most diverse workforce possible – regardless of age, race, disability, sexuality, gender, gender identity or belief. Measures have also been taken to ensure local people are given access to roles, with 15%-20% of the workforce residents of the Host Boroughs.
A Games for everyone
But of course, London 2012 is not for London only. The venues are spread across the UK – from Football in Glasgow to Sailing in Weymouth – while the Olympic and Paralympic Torch Relays, as well as Cultural Olympiad and London 2012 Festival programmes, mean it really does belong to us all.
We aim to make diversity and inclusion a key differentiator of our Games, and are hugely excited about celebrating the many differences among the cultures and communities of the United Kingdom.
