Decision details

Equality Scheme 2021-26

Decision Maker: Executive Member for Council Strategy and Community Cohesion

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: Yes

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Purpose:

Approval of council's new All of Us Equality Scheme 2021-26 and equality objectives.

Decision:

RECOMMENDED to the Executive Member for Council Strategy and Community Cohesion that the Council’s Equality Scheme 2022-25 be approved for publication.

Reasons for the decision:

Schedule 1 and 2 of The Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties) Regulations 2011 requires that the Council must:

 

·       Prepare and publish equality objectives by 6 April 2012, and at least every four years thereafter.

·       Ensure that those objectives are specific and measurable.

·       Publish those objectives in such a manner that they are accessible to the public.

 

The council’s 2017-20 ‘All of Us’ Equality Scheme was extended for a year to cover 2020-21 to allow time for development of the new Council Plan in 2019 and directorate service plans. The Covid-19 pandemic further delayed the development of new objectives and an equality scheme in 2021-22. The council’s equality objectives are being reviewed and updated for April 2022 as part of developing the new ‘All of Us’ Equality Scheme 2022-2025.

Alternative options considered:

None. The council is legally required to publish equality objective. Not having equality objectives and an equality scheme would undermine the progress made by the council over the last 18 months in further developing an inclusive culture that values diversity and the actions in response to the staff Pulse Survey discrimination research. In addition, it would be contrary to the council’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Interests and Nature of Interests Declared:

None

Reason Key: Affects more than 1 ward;

Wards Affected: (All Wards);

Financial Impact: None - from existing budget

Declarations: None

Subject to Urgent Proceedings: No

Making Representations: In writing to Chief Executive

Other reasons / organisations consulted

Staff, partner and community group workshops
Corporate equality group
Members equality group
Public consultation

Consultees

Staff and Members
Partner organisations and community groups
Residents

Contact: Samantha Wood, Community Engagement and Equalities Officer Email: samantha.wood@bracknell-forest.gov.uk Tel: 01344 353315.

Report author: Samantha Wood

Publication date: 16/11/2021

Date of decision: 16/11/2021

Decided at meeting: 16/11/2021 - Executive

Effective from: 18/11/2021

Accompanying Documents: