Articles

Latest News

Council launches new equality and diversity policy

Date Posted: 10:31 AM on Fri, 8 October 2021

Gedling Borough Council has approved a new Equality and Diversity Policy following consultation with residents and local community groups.

The new policy, approved by the council’s Cabinet on 7 October, sets out clearly the commitment that the council has to promote equality and diversity both within the organisation and through service delivery and how it aims to eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation and challenge inequalities. 

A consultation was launched in June and the responses from residents and community groups were used to help shape the policy and the action plan.  

The policy highlights how the council has already embedded into its corporate plan objectives to reduce poverty and inequality, provide support to the most vulnerable, to improve social mobility and life chances, improve health and well-being, reduce health inequalities and reduce levels of loneliness and isolation.

The policy also sets out how equalities and diversity will be further embedded across the council and that the council will be more accessible, engaging and listen to the needs of its community. This includes senior leaders, members and officers, acting as ambassadors for equalities and diversity.

The policy includes an action to establish a corporate Strategic Equalities and Diversity Group, chaired by the Portfolio holder for Young People and Equalities, Councillor Viv McCrossen.

The council has been carrying out a number of actions as part of its work to improving equalities, which includes carrying out a Disability Confident Employer assessment, the adoption of the Menopause in the Workplace Policy and the creation of specific roles within the cabinet that focus on equalities.

Portfolio Holder for Young People and Equalities, Councillor Viv McCrossen said:

“I am delighted that following two periods of consultation with our residents we can now present this very important policy for our Borough. The equality and diversity policy will champion equality, diversity and human rights as defining values of society.

Our policy will promote equality of opportunity for all, giving every individual the chance to achieve their potential free from prejudice and discrimination.

We have listened to the feedback received as part of our consultation and used this valuable feedback to shape our action plan.

I would like to thank everyone who took the time to respond to this consultation, your voice is invaluable and has helped shape this policy.”

The policy can be viewed by visiting www.gedling.gov.uk/equality