Decision details

The Cabinet considered report 12/11 of the head of corporate strategy that sought approval to a new corporate equalities policy, developed as a joint policy with South Oxfordshire District Council.  The policy was developed in response to the Equality Act 2010.  This required public services to eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment, and victimisation; to advance equality of opportunity; and the need to foster good relations between people who shared a protected characteristic and those who did not share it.  A protected characteristic under the Act referred to colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, religion, belief, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity.  The Act contained a power enabling the government minister to impose specific duties on public bodies to support better performance of the general duties.  These regulations were out for consultation and could be brought into force in July 2011. 

The draft policy ensured equality considerations were included in all council functions.  It covered:

·           assessing the impact of service and employment design

·           collecting monitoring data to understand communities

·           consultation and engagement

·           advancing equality of opportunity in contracts where relevant

·           equalities training

·           commitment to the Equality Framework for Local Government

·           human resources policies

·           monitoring complaints

The chairman invited Councillor Jenny Hannaby to address the meeting.  She welcomed the policy. 

Cabinet welcomed the new policy and noted that an action plan would develop the equality objectives. 

RESOLVED:

(a)       To approve the corporate equality policy as set out in the appendix to report 12/11: and

(b)       To authorise the head of corporate strategy, in consultation with the relevant cabinet member, to make any further changes to the policy to reflect any changes to the duties currently being consulted on, following final government approval.