As leader of the council, I am delighted to offer my support to the Stepping Forward initiative. 

I endorse the guiding principles of Stepping Forward which are:

• Women and men working in partnership for equality
  
  
• Valuing talents equally
  
  
• Fair recruitment and promotion based on skills and abilities
  
  
• Valuing skills development, fair competition and confidence building
  
  
• Flexible working and family friendly working practices

As the biggest employer in the District it is important that we provide leadership by putting these principles into practice.

Cllr Peter Box, Leader, Wakefield Council