Our Plans and Policies
We have an Equality and Diversity Policy and Action Plan called ‘Encouraging an Equal & Diverse Town & Workforce to 2021’.
The purpose of our Equality and Diversity Policy and Action Plan is to promote our commitment to encouraging an equal and diverse town and workforce, and to set out how we plan to achieve this from now until 2021. It also explains what our duties are under the Equality Act 2010 and in particular the Public Sector Equality Duty.
Although the socio-economic duty has been removed from the Equality Act 2010, our Councillors and officers are encouraged to use their discretion in considering the impact of their decisions on people who are less fortunate because of their social or economic background. For example, this could be a working family who are in receipt of benefits and have little spare income, or a person looking for work who has achieved a lower-than-average educational attainment.
The Equality Framework for Local Government
We use the Equality Framework for Local Government as a tool to help us think practically about how we can deliver better and more accessible services for our customers, and improve the working environment for our staff. The Framework consists of three levels of performance, 'Developing, Achieving and Excellent' In demonstrating our commitment to equality and diversity, in April 2009, we were awarded Achieving status.
We have aligned the structure of our Equality and Diversity Policy and Action Plan with the five performance themes of the Equality Framework for Local Government. Each theme is represented as a goal that also aligns to one of our Co-operative Principles. This means that we will continue to set activities that meet the needs of our residents, communities and staff.
Goal | Equality Framework for Local Government theme | Co-operative Principle |
---|---|---|
Understanding | Knowing our communities | We all understand each other |
Together | Leadership, partnership and organisation commitment | We're all working together for each other and for our town |
Engaging | Community engagement and satisfaction | You can play a part |
Listening | Responsive services and customer care | We're here when you need us |
Supportive | A skilled and committed workforce | We can all work together to support each other |
Equalities and Diversity
Stevenage Borough Council
Daneshill House
Danestrete
Stevenage
SG1 1HN