Agenda item - Equality and Inclusion Strategy Progress Update

Report of the Executive Director, Neighbourhoods, Communities and Housing (copy attached)

RESOLVED – That the Committee notes the contents of the report which provides an update against the Equality and Inclusion Strategy objective and key priorities for 2019-20.

50.1    The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director, Neighbourhoods, Communities and Housing the purpose of which was to provide a progress update in relation to the council’s Equality and Inclusion Strategy which had been agreed in January 2017.

50.2    It was noted that the Strategy was intended to outline the council’s equality and inclusion in order to facilitate and deliver equality within the council and in the wider city. The Strategy enabled the council to meet its legal obligations and to set at least one measurable equality objective. Fie areas of focus had been identified and when the NICE Committee had agreed the Strategy and recommended it to council officers had been instructed to provide an annual update.

50.3    The Equalities Manager, Communities, Equality and the Third Sector, Anna Spragg, explained that following a key meeting later that month the timetable going forward would be finalised. That information would be shared with Members and briefing sessions would be arranged.

50.4    Councillor Cattell whilst supporting the work carried out to date considered that it was important to collect feedback and information using a variety of means as not everyone responded to surveys and it was important to use a variety of strategies in order to encourage engagement. It was important to seek to build trust in the process and to have clear aims as to what was to be achieved and how.

50.5    Councillor Littman concurred in that view stating that this process had been long in its conception and that clear benchmarks needed to be set and processes in place to ensure that the strategy was measured, adapted and amended as necessary going forward, otherwise it was an exercise on paper rather than work which developed over time. He would have welcomed more detail in the report regarding how that was to be achieved. This was not intended as a criticism of individuals or the process he just wished to be re-assured that this would be a continuing process.

50.6    It was explained that it was intended that further reports would be brought back to Committee on an annual basis which would detail the on-going evaluation which had taken place

50.7    Councillor Morgan stated that the administration was committed to this process which would be rigorously reviewed. He considered that external reviews which would have the role of a “critical friend” would be valuable.

50.8    The Chair, Councillor Daniel, stated that there was a willingness to engage and that it was envisaged that workshops and training  would be made available to councillors post the May 2019 elections.

50.9    RESOLVED – That the Committee notes the contents of the report and the update provided against the Equality and Inclusion Strategy objective and key priorities for 2019-20.