Single equality scheme – we want your comments.
Northumberland County Council recognises that
equality, diversity and human rights need to be at the heart of
everything we do. As a public body, Northumberland County Council
has a duty to promote equality in the areas of disability, gender
and race. These duties include the requirement to develop and put
into place equality schemes outlining what we will do to promote
disability, gender and race equality.
We believe we should aim to tackle wider
issues of discrimination and inequality and have developed a single
equality scheme that includes equality and human rights. Our Single
Equality Scheme includes issues related to age, disability, gender
and transgender, race, religion or belief/non-belief, and sexual
orientation. It is underpinned by a citizen centred approach based
on human rights principles which state that every person has the
right to be valued and treated with dignity.
We have attached links to our equality
scheme and action plan. We would welcome any comments or
feedback on the scheme. Please contact Irene Fisher if you
need further information or have any comments on the equality
scheme.
Single
Equality Scheme
Single
Equality Scheme Action Plan
Irene Fisher
Policy Officer
Northumberland County Council
Irene.Fisher@northumberland.gov.uk
Telephone; 01670 533082 or 0845 6006400
Typetalk 18001 01670 533082
If you would like a copy in another language or format (such as
Braille, audio CD or cassette, Easy Read or large print), please
contact 0845 600 6400 and request a copy of the draft equality
scheme
Our Equality and Diversity Policy
Northumberland County Council is committed to
treating everyone fairly, and strives to achieve equality for the
diverse mix of communities that make up the county of
Northumberland.
The County Council aims to promote an
inclusive community in Northumberland and is committed to ensuring
all council services are accessible and their provision is free
from prejudice and unlawful discrimination. We want our
services to be sensitive to the needs of everyone who uses
them.
To make this happen the Council has approved
an Equality and Diversity Policy.
The Council has adopted a broad approach to
equalities using the Equality Standard for Local Government as a
framework. Our Equality and Diversity Policy is a written statement
showing that Northumberland County Council actively opposes
discrimination. It also:
- demonstrates our commitment to making the County Council a
fully accessible and inclusive organisation that welcomes and
respects the diversity of its customers, elected members, staff and
visitors to the County.
- provides the overall policy framework for our action to tackle
discrimination and promote equality.
Beneath it sits our policies to eliminate
unfair discrimination and promote equality, in both our employment
and training of staff and in our delivery of services.
However, far from being set in stone, this
policy will be reviewed and amended as national policy,
legislation, and the Council's own thinking develops.
Equal Opportunities
- Staff Training
All staff must complete the following
e-learning Diversity in the Workplace training in order to become
familiar with Equal Opportunities legislation, gain a better
understanding of the broader issues of diversity & equal
opportunities in providing services & to know your
responsibilities & rights as a Council employee. Managers will
be expected to allow staff the time to complete this online
training course which will take about 1 hour.
Please
could all staff click here to register for the
equality e-learning
After Registration...
Please
could all staff click here to log-in
What do we mean by Equality and Diversity?
Northumberland is a diverse county made up of
many different groups and individuals. We value and celebrate that
diversity and believe it essential to try to understand the
different contributions, perspectives and experience that people in
our county have.
As a Council we also recognise that not
everyone's experience is equal and there are many forms of
discrimination affecting people's lives. We know that some groups
of people generally experience more discrimination than others.
This discrimination can be on the basis of
ethnic group (race), gender, disability, sexual orientation, age or
religion. We know that people can also be excluded through class,
poverty and other factors such as poor health; these issues are
addressed through our work on social exclusion.
It is important that public agencies and
service providers like the Council work hard to make sure that
inequality is prevented from occurring in the first place and is
effectively tackled when identified.
Race Equality
Northumberland
County Council is committed to tackling
racism
How do I report a racist incident?
Many victims of racist incidents report them
to the police. But, if you do not wish to do so, Northumberland
County Council has a way you can report racist incidents to us.
A racist incident is any incident which is
perceived to be racist by the victim or any other person. Examples
include :
- Racial/racist abuse - verbal or written threats or insults
- Personal attacks - on people, relatives or friends
- Damage to property - including graffiti or arson
- Circulating racist material - internet, leaflets, etc
If you want to report a racist incident but do
not wish to contact the police you can:
Contact Northumberland County Council.
Tel 0845 6006400
You will be referred to someone who can
help you
A form can be sent out to you to complete
All information is treated in the
strictest confidence. We need your help to stop racist attacks and
harassment.
Diversity and Equality in recruitment
You will also find details of our Diversity
and Equality in Employment Policy on our jobs page at http://www.jobsnorthumberland.co.uk/.
