The Homelessness and Housing Advice Service Statement on Equal Opportunities
The Council is working towards equality of opportunity in the provision of services to the local community. The Council seeks to actively promote equality of opportunity within the local community and wishes to ensure that the needs of a particular group are not overlooked and that everybody has the opportunity to play a full and active life in the local community.
The Council accepts that as a service provider, it has a social and moral duty to promote equality of opportunity. The Council will comply with the statutory requirements laid down in the Race Relations Act (1976), the Sex Discrimination Act (1975) and the Disability Discrimination Act (1995).
Our equal opportunities policy aims to ensure that, within the framework of the law, no member of the public receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, marital status, disability, race, religious beliefs, age, sexual orientation or on any other grounds.
How we deliver on this commitment
We have a customer charter that sets out
- what services we offer
- what standards we set in providing these services to you - and publish our performance
- what to do if you are not happy with the service provided
- how we can help if you have special needs.
Special Needs
Here are some of the ways we can help you if you have special needs:
- interview you at a convenient place, if you are unable to come to our office
- ensure that you only see a female officer if you prefer
- arrange for an interpreter if necessary
- provide audio tapes of our leaflets for people with visual problems
- provide wheelchair accessible offices and facilities
- make appropriate arrangements for people with hearing difficulties.
What you can do if you are unhappy with the service provided
We aim to provide an efficient service at all times. However, things can go wrong and when this happens we want to put them right quickly. This is true of all aspects of our service, but we are always very concerned if you believe that you have been discriminated against in any way.
If you believe this to be the case you should contact the manager as soon as possible. All such allegations are thoroughly investigated and you will be written to regarding the outcome.
You can contact the manager:
By telephoning (01438) 242938 (direct line)
in writing to:
Principal Homelessness and Housing Advice Officer
Daneshill House
Danestrete
Stevenage
Hertfordshire
SG1 1HN
by e-mail to:
housing@stevenage.gov.uk marked for the attention of the Principal Homelessness and Housing Advice Officer
or in person:
You can arrange an appointment by any of the above means or in person to the Customer Service Centre at Daneshill House telephone 01438 242242 or via your Case Worker or Housing Adviser.
Please note that any allegation made will be treated in the strictest of confidence.
Comments
We welcome any comments on our service generally. This can be by any of the methods mentioned or by using our “Comments Cards” available at all Reception points and hostels. Please ask any staff member if you require details of this.