Action

What are we doing?

Equality Impact Assessments

Across the Council service improvements have been identified through the introduction of Equality Impact Assessments. To ensure consistency and robustness of approach more than 80 Service Managers across the Council were guided through the assessment process on a 1-1 or team basis by two experienced Equality Advisers. The process enabled officers to:

• learn about the main legal requirements
• identify key issues relevant to their service area
• link up with sources of support / expertise to effect change
• develop action plans

The response and levels of involvement from Managers was very positive demonstrating a desire to better understand service delivery issues and identify service improvement. The process enabled good practice to be identified, and helped the Council develop a good overview of the substantial contribution it makes and can make in relation to social inclusion, community cohesion and the promotion of equality of opportunity.

A wide variety of broader customer care, communications, performance monitoring and employment issues were also identified which have informed the development of the Customer Engagement Strategy.

The findings from the assessments have been analysed and overview reports developed for the following service areas - Adult Services, Children’s Services, Learning Directorate, Cultural & Community Services and the Environment Directorate.  The objectives identified through this initiative have been embedded in statutory / multi - agency plans, and the Service Planning process to ensure they are integrated into mainstream activity. Officers are being supported as required to implement and monitor specific objectives.

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