Combined Equalities Scheme
The Authority’s current Race Equality Scheme was due for review May 2008. The Authority, upon receiving the Annual Race Equality Scheme report in 2007, decided that the Authority would work to combine the three existing equalities schemes, these being the Race, Disability and Gender Equality Schemes.
The theory behind the use of a combined approach is that the equalities objectives and actions of the authority will be captured all in one place, therefore making the process less confusing for members of the public. In addition, this approach will reduce much of the duplication, i.e. only requiring one document to explain the roles, responsibilities, policies and functions of the authority.
In light of the formation of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), the publication of the Equalities Review, the recent Discrimination Law Review consultation and the likelihood of a Combined Equalities Bill by 2009 it is a proactive step for the Authority to bring its equality duties into one document.
This version of the Combined Equalities Scheme is subject to any amendments and ratification by the Authority at its meeting to be held on 10 June 2008.
It is a living document and will be amended as appropriate. The first full report on progress will be made to the full Authority at its meeting in June 2009
You can download the Combined Equalities Scheme and appendices: