National Inclusion Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of the importance of inclusion in the workplace and of the business benefits to having a diverse and representative workforce. This year, the over-arching theme for the week is 'Everyday Inclusion'.

Transport group Stagecoach is celebrating National Inclusion Week to kickstart a four-week togetherness campaign across its bus and rail companies.

The group will deliver a programme of awareness raising activities to promote inclusion and diversity as part of National Inclusion week, which takes place from 24th -30th September and is run by the Inclusive Employers membership organisation to which Stagecoach subscribes.

The campaign week marks the first of a four-week series of events across Stagecoach as the group launches its Getting There Together initiative placing emphasis on a number of key areas including customer service, safety, wellbeing, community and environment.

During National Inclusion Week, Stagecoach will provide information to bus and rail employees, reminding staff of the importance of keeping an open, welcoming and inclusive working environment for all, and will be supporting a range of activities to help local companies embrace the campaign, including material provided by Inclusive Employers such as daily challenges, quizzes, posters, blogs and webinars.

Local businesses within Stagecoach will also hold drop-in sessions, talks and workshops for staff during the week.

There will be employee breakfast get-togethers in some areas, along with staff activities to share different cultures. Some local teams will work with charities to help gain a further understanding of the needs of different user groups and how they can be assisted.

A training bus at Stagecoach London has also been wrapped to highlight the group's inclusive approach to recruitment and to promote career opportunities. Stagecoach London has also produced a staff video highlighting what diversity and inclusion means to them.

At Supertram, customers will be invited to participate in mindfulness activities during the week and is joining forces with bus colleagues from the East Midlands and Yorkshire for a family drop-in session on board Hattie the community bus in Sheffield.

Stagecoach believes that inclusion is about making sure that everyone feels valued, respected, listened to and able to challenge and to contribute to the business. It's about recognising and valuing the differences each person brings to the workplace and creating an environment where everyone has access to opportunities and resources and can contribute to the success of the business.

Stagecoach Group Director of Pensions and Employee Benefits, John Hamilton, said: "As an inclusive employer we strive to create a work place that is accepting and welcoming of people from all walks of life.

"Our transport services help drive social inclusion by enabling millions of people from every walk of life to access work, leisure, health and education facilities and also playing a vital role within local communities.

"We’re delighted to be part of National Inclusion Week again this year and will continue working as a team to support each other, and celebrate our differences within a positive, welcoming and progressive working environment".

Further information about careers with Stagecoach Group can be found at www.stagecoach.com/careers.aspx.