Issue - meetings

To approve the adoption of Armed Forces Personnel to be given the same regard as those with protected characteristics and the adoption of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy and Action Plan.

The Cabinet Member: Inclusion, Engagement, Equalities and Civic Pride presented the report of the Director: Communities, Customer & Commercial Services.

The report provided an update on the progress made on the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy and Action Plan and the Council’s Equality Objectives under the Public Sector Equality Duty. 

It sough adoption of Armed Forces Personnel (veterans and families) being given due regard with all other protected characteristics as set out in the report.

Positive steps had been taken which included the EDI being considered as part of the decision making processes, the implementation of employee led groups, the results of the recent employee survey, EDI focus on recruitment and selection and the engagement with the deaf community.

Engagement had been undertaken with local community groups, partners and Council employees with the first 4-year Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy being launched in July 2022.

The report set out the EDI Strategy vision and objectives and the positive steps being taken across the organisation to meet the Equality Objectives and the overall vision.

Whilst a lot had been achieved in the previous 12 months, there was still a lot to deliver longer term with the key actions set out in the report and progress would continue to be monitored.

Cabinet Members welcomed the report and the work and dedication to celebrate diversity across the Borough.  The EDI strategy cut across all services and departments and there was a very positive culture in relation to inclusiveness.  It evidenced the protect, care and invest agenda which now included care experience for young people.  Work around Armed Forces Personnel, the introduction of the Neurodiversity Group and work with the Windrush generation had been very positive.  The strategy would continue to develop to support and protect the local community.

RESOLVED – that

a)    the progress the Council has made over the last 12 months with regards to its 4-year Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy and Action Plan be noted;

b)   Armed Forces Personnel (veterans and families) to be

given due regard in the same way as those with all other protected characteristics be approved;

c)    the publication of new EDI actions as set out in paragraph 5.0 and

the progress on the Council’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Action Plan be approved; and

d)   the updated strategy to reflect the latest demographic data as set out in paragraph 6.1.1. of the report be approved.