Developing policies to tackle inequality and exclusion,
ensuring services are accessible and our recruitment and employment
practices fair.
What is diversity?
Diversity is any and all of the elements of similarity or
difference between people, whether these be visible or hidden (such
as disability, gender, race, colour, ethnic origin, religion,
belief, culture, nationality, national origin, age, sexual
orientation, caring responsibilities, rural and urban isolation,
poverty: the list is limitless). These can enhance or inhibit
effective interaction between people, depending on our reaction to
each of these elements.
What is our approach to diversity?
We value the range of different people in Suffolk, but recognise
some can be disadvantaged and discriminated against both as an
employee and a service user. We are committed to developing
policies to tackle inequality and exclusion, by ensuring services
are accessible and our recruitment and employment practices
fair.
We want to make sure people are not discriminated against for
any reason and we will not tolerate discrimination of any kind.
How do we promote equality of opportunity?
We are looking to:
- identify those service areas which are not currently
appropriately addressing equalities in their service plans, and
work with managers to develop action plans to both inform the Best
Value process and achieve the requirements of five levels within
the Equality Standard for Local Government;
- research and identify opportunities to invest in systems that
will monitor a whole range of diversity issues in accordance with a
modern working environment;
- provide adequate training and development for staff on
equalities and their rights, together with those of our
customers;
- publicise the Council’s commitment to equality for all, both
internally and externally;
- assess how policies and programmes could affect marginalised
and disadvantaged groups, identify any potential for adverse impact
and consider any necessary remedial action;
- monitor the implementation of policies and programmes to ensure
they meet the needs of marginalised and disadvantaged groups;
- review and update, as appropriate, our equalities policies in
employment and service delivery; and
- support staff network groups, including: BME - a
support and action group for black and minority ethnic staff;
Womens Group - a group to discuss issues concerning
women; Carers - a support group helping and
advising issues around caring; Christian Fellowship -
a group meeting to discuss issues of theology and prayer;
Suffolk Staff Disability Network - a network designed to
provide mutual support and influence disability policies and
services; Suffolk Fair Play - a group set up to improve
chances for employment for women in non-traditional areas of work;
Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Forum - a Suffolk
multi-agency network; Lunchtime Culture and Faith - aimed
at sharing information about different religions, cultures and
beliefs; Diversity: Action not Words - a training toolkit
designed to help managers promote awareness of diversity issues
within their teams.
Further information on diversity and equality issues
Access
and communication
Demographic
information for Suffolk
Equality Impact Assessments
Race equality scheme index
Understanding the Equality Standard for Local Government (Word,
168Kb)