Equality and Diversity Information
Introduction
A diverse population encompasses people of different races, disabilities, genders, religions/beliefs, ages and sexual orientations. These are known politically as the six strands of diversity.
Erewash Borough Council recognises that some people might suffer discrimination and be disadvantaged for many reasons. The Council has both a moral and statutory obligation to reflect the needs of a diverse population through its service provision and as an employer.
The Council is committed to employing a diverse workforce and providing equitable services to the people of Erewash. Our aim is to fully meet our obligations and to learn from best practice, as we strive to improve as a local authority.
Policy
The council adopted the following Equality and Diversity Policy statement in 2005 to show its commitment to creating an ‘inclusive Erewash’. It sets out our commitment to promoting equality and diversity across all services, ensuring that what is offered is accessible to all. Our commitment is about recognising and valuing diversity and ensuring that every individual is entitled to dignity and respect.
Equality and Diversity Policy Statement:
We believe that in working to achieve Erewash Council’s vision of “Providing services which help improve Erewash people’s health, prosperity and well-being”, we must consider the needs of all our citizens who live, work or visit our Borough.
We believe that equality of opportunity and freedom from discrimination is a fundamental right and this council has a duty to exercise leadership to promote this right. We intend to promote equality and prevent discrimination through our roles as: service provider; employer and community leader.
Equality Standard for Local Government
The Equality Standard for Local Government (the standard) has been developed by a partnership between the Commission for Racial Equality, Disability Rights Commission, the Equal Opportunities Commission and the Employers’ Organisation for Local Government with assistance from the Audit Commission. It is part of the Best Value Performance Indicator scheme.
It provides a framework for improving equality practice and producing equitable outcomes in service delivery and employment. The standard is a tool, which can help to bring about changes and break down discriminatory barriers. It facilitates continuous improvement through equality management.
The standard builds upon the principles of quality leadership and community involvement that are central features of modern local government. Successful implementation of the standard depends upon sound partnership between the Council and the wider community.
There are 5 levels to the equality standard:
- Level 1 - Commitment to a comprehensive policy
- Level 2 - Assessment and consultation
- Level 3 - Setting equality objectives and targets
- Level 4 - Information systems and monitoring against targets
- Level 5 - Achieving and reviewing outcomes
Documents available
The Council has developed a Corporate Equality and Diversity Plan to achieve all levels of the equality standard, over a 5 year period starting on 1st April 2006.
The Council has developed a Race Equality Scheme, Disability Equality Scheme and a Gender Equality Scheme.
All of these documents can be downloaded from our Strategic Documents section under the heading Corporate.
Legislation
The Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA) works for local government improvement and publishes a list of relevant legislation that public bodies need to be aware of in the context of equality and diversity.
Further information