Decision details

(Time: 2.32pm to 2.40pm)

The Executive received and considered report 123/08 of the Deputy Director (Organisational Development) and the Equalities Officer.  The report recommended the adoption of an accessible information policy. 

The Portfolio Holder, Councillor Richard Farrell, reminded the Executive that the Council had committed to the principle of equal opportunities and aimed to deliver accessible services and employment opportunities which met the needs of all residents and employees.  To achieve this, service information needed to be accessible to everybody.  Particular attention would be paid to the needs of disabled people, older people and people who had English as a second or other language. 

The draft policy set out how the Council would meet these needs by offering information in alternative formats such as translations and interpreters, including sign language, and providing information in these alternative formats on request.  Officers were urged to be proactive and provide alternative formats where it was known that the target audience would require or welcome it.  The policy also highlighted the need for all information to be in plain English and in an accessible font style and size.  Information should also follow a clear layout and avoid repetition.  The Executive considered that the draft policy would improve overall readability of Council information for the wider community. 

R E C O M M E N D E D

that the accessible information policy, as appended to these minutes, be adopted with an implementation date of April 2009.