The Single Equality Scheme

The Single Equality Scheme (SES) provides a single coherent approach, bringing together the statutory equalities duties for race, disability and gender and the common elements of each duty that have been extended to cover age, carers, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, religion or belief and sexual orientation. 

Valuing diversity and promoting inclusion is one of our core values. The Scheme sets out the council’s strategic aims in relation to equalities and our approach delivering equalities through the full range of our delivery plans.

We provide a wide range of services to our local communities that make up Southend. It is a priority of the council to strengthen the effectiveness of working with our partners and workforce to deliver better services for all residents of Southend, enabling and supporting residents, voluntary and community organisations to thrive.

The Equality Scheme 2010-13 sets out the council's commitment to equality over the next three years. It is supported by a detailed action plan, which will be implemented by departments across the council.

Key actions include conducting strategic equality analysis’s to inform the design of services, prepare the council for external pre-assessment using the national equality performance framework, publishing a new engagement strategy and action plan to encourage local people to take part in issues that affect them and preparing the council for the new regulations of the new Equality Act.