Tower Hamlets Council was the first local authority in the country to receive an Equality Mark at a special presentation made last week by the Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA).
The prestigious award is in recognition of the council achieving Level 5 of the Local Government Equality Standard and highlights the council's enduring commitment to equality as both a service provider and employer.
Councillor Anwara Ali, Lead Member for Employment, Equalities and Skills, Tower Hamlets Council said: "Tower Hamlets is a wonderfully diverse borough and equality is at the heart of everything we do. Just last month we were announced as the most gay-friendly London council by Stonewall and this month we've received an Equality Mark.
"We're really pleased with the recognition that we've received and it's a testament to the commitment and dedication of our councillors, officers and of course the local community.
"The Equality Mark doesn't make us complacent as equalities are ever changing. Receiving the award will be an inspiration for us to continue to move forward to meet the needs of our diverse community. "
Equality practices are embedded within the council's policies and actions, right through from the borough's community plan to individual officer's work plans. A number of proactive initiatives have been developed to ensure that the council's workforce represents the community. The council has received a total of five Beacon awards, including one for promoting racial equality in 2005.
Tower Hamlet Council Chief Executive, Martin Smith along with Head of Research and Scrutiny, Michael Keating received the award from Lord Herman Ouseley at the River Bank Plaza.
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