Equality & Diversity Policy
The aim of this policy is to communicate the commitment of Silloth-on-Solway Town Council, its Councillors and employees to meeting the Public Sector Equality Duty, which came into force on 5 April 2011. The Equality Duty applies to public bodies and others carrying out public functions. It supports good decision-making by ensuring public bodies consider how different people will be affected by their activities, helping them to deliver policies, representation and services which are efficient and effective; accessible to all; and which meet different people’s needs.
It is our policy to provide representation, information, facilities, services and employment to all irrespective of:
- Gender, including gender reassignment
- Marital or civil partnership status
- Having just had a baby or being pregnant
- Having or not having dependants
- Religious belief or political opinion
- Race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins)
- Disability
- Sexual orientation
- Age
The Council is opposed to all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination. All people and employees will be treated fairly and will not be discriminated against on any of the above grounds. All decisions will be made objectively and without unlawful discrimination.
The Council recognises that supporting Equality is of primary importance. This policy will help both Councillors and employees to develop sound and effective policies that impact on the town and surrounding areas.
The Council aims to create a culture that respects and values eachothers’ differences, that promotes dignity, equality and diversity. We aim to remove barriers, bias or discrimination that prevent individuals or groups from realising their potential and contributing fully to the community to develop a culture that positively values diversity.
The Council will challenge discrimination. It aims to provide equality and fairness to all in the community and expects all Councillors and employees to be aware and understand the Equality Act 2010.
Equality Commitments
The Council is committed to:
- Promoting equality of opportunity for allpersons.
- Promoting a good and harmonious environment in which all persons are treated with respect.
- Preventing occurrences of unlawful direct discrimination, indirect discrimination, harassment and victimisation.
- Fulfilling our legal obligations under equality legislation and associated codes of practice.
- Complying with our own equal opportunities policy and associated policies.
- Taking lawful affirmative and positive action where appropriate.
Implementation
The Mayor has specific responsibility for the effective implementation of this policy. In order to implement this policy he or she shall:
- Communicate the policy to Members, the Clerk and members of the public
- Incorporate equal opportunities into general practices
- Ensure that other persons or organisations will comply with the policy in their dealings with the Council
Monitoring and Review
The Council will establish appropriate information and monitoring systems to assist the effective implementation of our equal opportunities policy.
In addition to our internal procedures, any person has the right to pursue complaints of discrimination under the Equality Act 2010.
This Policy will be reviewed by Silloth-on-Solway Town Council on an annual basis.
This policy is fully supported by all members of Silloth-on-Solway Town Council and was approved at its meeting held on 1 December 2014.