The work of Vale of Glamorgan Council in addressing racial inequality has been recognised with an award.

In recognition of its innovative 'Safe Spaces' programme, the council has been awarded Race Equality Matters Trailblazer status by an independent panel of experts, all with lived experience of race inequality in the workplace.

Safe Space is a Race Equality Matters project, co-created with those who have experienced racism, that provides protected environment in which people who might otherwise be too uncomfortable can have frank conversations on this subject.

Becoming a Trailblazer means the work the council has done has resulted in change and made an impact across the breadth of the entire organisation, addressing racial inequality and become a more diverse, inclusive and equal organisation.

The panel deemed that the council's work to ensure that ethnic minority voices are heard in Safe Space meetings was "clear and substantial" and gave the highest score possible for making sure that improvement suggestions were implemented.

Cabinet member for community engagement, equalities and regulatory services, Cllr Ruba Sivagnanam, said: "I'm very proud that the Council has achieved this prestigious status. This news demonstrates that we are leading the way in creating change

"As a council, we are committed to tackling prejudice and discrimination throughout the Vale. At the same time, we recognise that we also that we need to promote anti racism through our policies and ensure that we listen and learn from our minoritized communities

"This award is an acknowledgement of the strides the council is making in its journey towards a fairer and more equal Vale.