A GROUP could be created involving some of the North-East's most high-profile companies to act as a beacon of equality in the region's workforces.

The Employer Equality Champions Network would include some of the biggest companies - and most vehement endorsers of equality and diversity - in the region, who would act as inspirations to other firms for examples of best practice.

Developed and supported by Equality North-East, it would include groups from the voluntary, community, public and private sectors.

The plans were unveiled at an event at Cummins, in Darlington, yesterday, which involved organisations including Nissan, Northern Rock, One NorthEast and Dickinson Dees.

Liz Reay, chief executive of not-for-profit Equality North- East, said the network would build on the group's existing Networking for Change initiative, which involves 600 members.

"By bringing people together, it enables you to have an influence and to make changes. The way forward is for people - and particularly companies - to work together to make a difference,"

she said.

"Instead of larger organisations - such as Cummins, who are a fantastic example of best practice and they have an excellent culture here for ensuring equality and diversity in their workforce - working individually, through the Employer Equality Champions Network, they can work as one body.

"It's a really exciting development, and one that can help continue and build on what Networking for Change has achieved."

Cummins, which employs about 1,000 people, won a North- East Equality Award last year for its efforts to promote a diverse workforce and introduce equal practices - such as setting up a women's affinity group, headed by employee Sara Vasey - as well as for its work in the community.

Steven Nendick, European director of communications for Cummins, said equality is key to the firm's future.

"Creating a diverse workforce and capitalising on its capabilities is critical to Cummins' global business success, " he said.

"We want to create an environment which unleashes our people and fosters their creativity."

Ms Reay also encouraged employers to follow Cummins' lead and enter this year's North-East Equality Awards.

"If employers are to compete in the current economic environment, they must ensure they have the best staff," she said.

"It is imperative that they take measures to ensure they have the policies in place which will help them recruit and retain people from all sections of society.

"Those employers who do adopt these policies are reaping the benefits and it is important we celebrate this good practice."

THE NE EQUALITY AWARDS

The North-East Equality Awards, organised by Equality North-East and supported by The Northern Echo, recognise efforts to promote equality and stamp out discrimination in the workplace.

There are nine categories: employers of up to ten staff; employers of 11 to 50 staff; employers of 51 to 250 staff; learning providers with up to 50 staff; learning providers of more than 50 staff; larger organisations that have made an outstanding contribution to promoting equality and diversity in the community; the TUC UnionLearn award; individuals who have made a difference; and innovative working practices.

The closing date for entries is Monday, June 30. An awards dinner will be held on Friday, September 19, in the Gosforth Marriott Hotel. Entries can be submitted at equality-ne.co.uk