We are very excited to announce the appointment of British Naturism’s new Equality and Diversity Officer, Simon Hill.
We should pause a moment to consider the change that Simon’s appointment represents. Simon was one of several people to formally express interest in the role, reflecting the growing enthusiasm of members for making significant contributions through volunteering. Perhaps more significant is the nature of the role as that reflects the appetite across our membership to prioritise, equality, diversity and, as we move forward, equity for all people. We increasingly see Naturists who are determined to make Naturism available to everybody and make the world a better place for all, not just within the confines of the organisation. That in itself is something we should celebrate and work to advance.
Simon has a remarkable portfolio of achievements; he has laid down markers that have advanced equality and diversity throughout his career. Now retired, his achievements when a serving police officer, included founding and subsequently chairing the Gay Police Association, holding seats on the Cornwall Race Equality Council, Dor Kemmyn (multi-faith organisation) and the Diversity Network for Cornwall, and chairing the latter to lead the transition into the Cornwall Equality and Diversity Network as part of Inclusion Cornwall. Eventually Simon became part of the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary corporate Equality and Diversity Directorate responsible for informing and guiding force policy and procedure in line with the Equality Act 2010 including the Public Sector Equality Duty and The Human Rights Act 1998.
Outside of his professional work, Simon was one of the founders of LGBTQ Youth Cornwall and, following retirement, he accepted the Chair of The Intercom Trust, through which he gained a seat on the Cornwall Hate Crime Strategic Group, a group that he now chairs. This is a remarkable CV and British Naturism are lucky to gain a strategist of such experience across the protected characteristics.
With Simon in position we can be confident that British Naturism’s commitment to achieving equity for all will reach new heights, and Simon’s experience will also be invaluable as we campaign for Naturist rights, especially in areas such as Hate Crime or Stirring Up Offences.
I’m sure you will join me in welcoming Simon to the role and, rest assured, the other enquirers are not forgotten. After all, many hands make light work.