Issue - meetings

This report summarises the Council’s equality journey so far and requests Cabinet to approve a new equality vision for the Council, the new Single Equality Scheme (2012 – 2016) and Governance arrangements for the scheme.

RESOLVED:     That Cabinet approves: 

·                The Council’s current equality vision

·                The Single Equality Scheme 2012 to 2015

·                The governance arrangements set out in  the report, including changes to the Equality Advisory Group as set out in paragraph 12 of the report.

REASON:            To help the Council to achieve its vision for a fair and inclusive council and city

Consideration was then given to the final report of the three which would make a contribution to the ambitions for a fair and inclusive city, the Single Equality Scheme (SES) for 2012 to 2016, attached at Annex A to the report.

The report described a new Council wide approach to equality and diversity which had been informed by evidence from the Fairness Commission. The updated equality vision statement had been put forward for approval together with the Scheme and its objectives. The scheme would be led by the Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism supported by the Council Management Team, the Equality Leadership Group and advised by the Equality Advisory Group (EAG).

Key changes were also proposed to the EAG, which included Councillors no longer being members of the Group.

It was confirmed that members of the public and community groups would be invited to comment on the scheme and that comments received would be taken on board during the scheme’s  annual review. Although the Council was no longer required to have a SES it was felt that it would, amongst other things, support members, increase knowledge and encourage and support council partners in sharing equality objectives and outcomes in the city.

RESOLVED:       That Cabinet approves: 

·                The Council’s current equality vision

·                The Single Equality Scheme 2012 to 2015

·                The governance arrangements set out in  the report, including changes to the Equality Advisory Group as set out in paragraph 12 of the report. ^1.

REASON:            To help the Council to achieve its vision for a fair and inclusive council and city