Issue - meetings

The Head of People, ICT and Property Services submitted a report concerning Equality, Diversity and Employment (2010/11) as required by Statute in terms of the Council’s duties and monitoring.

Members congratulated Officers on the report. 

In response to a query concerning the emphasis on religion, Members were advised that this was a protected characteristic.

Councillor P Ballam stated that within the context of the report, those undertaking a course of study outside of the “in house” training provision would not be recorded.  Members supported a suggestion that this aspect be addressed within a future report.

Clarification was provided on the use of the term “return rate” in terms of staff responses to the form.  It was noted that a further report would be submitted in three months time when the “return levels” would be reviewed.

Members agreed the report as set out in the report now submitted.

RESOLVED – that (A) the Equality and Diversity report be noted;

(B)                   the report be published on the Council’s website to ensure the Council complies with Statute;

(C)                   recruitment processes be reviewed to ensure that they are not indirectly discriminating against any of those within the protected characteristic groups;

(D)                   attendance at training courses be reviewed to establish why part-time workers are underrepresented; and

(E)        a programme of internal Equality Impact Assessments continues for 2012/13 incorporating policy reviews, service restructures and relevant human resource procedures.