The Single Equality Scheme
We are developing a Single Equality Scheme which will apply across the Council in everything we do. We would like your views on our view of equality and the key objectives for the scheme.
An equalities scheme is a legal duty, which requires us to demonstrate how we aim to:
- eliminate unlawful discrimination and harassment
- promote good relations between and across different groups
- encourage participation by all our diverse communities in public life
Our Single Equality Scheme (SES) will provide a single coherant approach, bringing together the statutory equalities duties for race, disability and gender and the common elements of each duty that will be extended to age, carers, religion or belief, sexual orientation and socio-economic issues.
It will set out our strategic aims in relation to equalities and our approach delivering equalities through the full range of our delivery plans.
Why is it important?
We will use the SES to drive our work to mainstream equality, diversity human rights across the organisation. It will set out what we have to do as a service provider, and as an employer. It will also set out how we intend to, over the three years scheme, continue to identify and act on:
- reducing the inequalities gap
- increase the life chances of people living in Southend
- identify and remove barriers that prevent some people in our community from participating and accessing our services
What happens next?
All responses collated were discussed at the consultation workshops which were held in January 2010.
The final single equality scheme will be published in September 2010.