Equality, diversity and inclusion

The Equality Act 2010 introduced the public sector equality duty. This requires us to:

• Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and other conduct prohibited by the act
• Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not
• Foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not
• Equality Impact Assessments enable to council to:
• Demonstrate due regard for the provisions of the public sector equality duty
• Identify possible negative impacts of decisions on individuals and groups with protected characteristics and plan mitigating action accordingly
• Identify additional opportunities to advance equality within policies, strategies, and services

We carry out equality impact assesments as a way of systematically taking equal opportunities into consideration when making a decision about significant changes to policy or services, which could have disproportionate impacts on individuals or groups protected under the Equality Act 2010.

We believe that equality impact assessments represent good practice when developing a policy, strategy or a new initiative. They help us to anticipate the likely effects it may have, and to take steps to prevent or minimise any likely harmful effects, especially on people who share any of the characteristics that are protected under the Equality Act.

They also help us to ensure that disadvantaged groups are not further disadvantaged by the policies and strategies we adopt, and they ensure councillors are properly advised of the potential effects of proposals before they take decisions that could affect people’s lives.

Our committee reports require our teams to consider whether an equality impact assessment is required, and then that these are then published alongside any reports/proposals for significant changes to policy or services that are then considered by our committees/full council - view our committee meetings and papers.

If you would like to see any particular equality impact assessments, please contact alison.bowen@lichfielddc.gov.uk