The Equality Steering Group consists of Service Leads and the Assistant Chief Executive of the Council. The Group is responsible for ensuring that the Council integrates equality and diversity into its policy and strategy development, service planning, service delivery and employment practices to meet its statutory obligations and its wider aspirations in relation to community leadership. As individuals, members of the Group will be responsible for driving these requirements through to their own services. The Council has representation on the Steering Group by the Portfolio Holder for Organisational Improvement and members of the Scrutiny B Committee.

The Group will:

• Be Ambassadors for the principles of Equality and Diversity
• Ensure the implementation, monitoring and review of the Council’s Corporate Equality and Diversity Policy
• Co-ordination and timely review of the Equality Scheme and Action Plans, with annual reports
• Co-ordinate and share consultation; ensure that we utilise the outcomes of consultation to shape future objectives.
• Drive and monitor the Equality and Diversity Scheme to ensure the Council meets its agreed timescale for achieving the Local Government Equality Standard levels
• Ensure robust audit and scrutiny measures are in place to be able to evidence progress against the Equality and Diversity Scheme
• Ensure that Management Team, Executive Board and Overview Committee receive regular reports on the progress of the Scheme
• Champion an inclusive approach to service planning and delivery that recognises the diverse community that we serve
• Keep abreast of new legislation, guidance and best practice in this area and advise on any amendments needed to the Equality and Diversity Policy or Scheme
• Advise on appropriate training and development for Members, managers and front line staff
• Have a robust framework to ensure the delivery of Equality Impact Assessments and outcomes generated from them
• Where staff groups are formed have representation from them, on the Equalities Steering Group