Equalities
The Council is committed to ensuring that equality of treatment and opportunity are reflected in our policies, services and employment. We are currently in the process of developing our new corporate equality policy from 2020 onwards.
In meeting the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 and through the adoption of the Equality Framework for Local Government, the Council is working to:
- Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation
- Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic under the law and those who do not.
- Foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic under the law and those who do not.
Under the Equality Act 2010 these protected characteristics include; age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion and belief, sex and sexual orientation.
The Council's equality priorities are set out within our and are informed by:
- An understanding of our communities through evidence based analysis in respect of any gaps in outcomes and opportunities.
- Establishing a clear vision and public commitment to equality across local public services through strong political leadership and effective partnership working.
- Developing and evaluating key policies through meaningful community engagement.
- Being responsive to customer needs and improving service accessibility.
- Developing a skilled and committed workforce, that aims to reflect the make-up of the local community and whose values and behaviours underpin equality and diversity within the work place and to ensure that the needs and expectations of all service users are able to be met.
