Contact:
  • Corporate Equalities Team
  • Address:
    Keynsham Town Hall
  • E-mail:
    equality@bathnes.gov.uk
  • Telephone:
    01225 396267
  • Fax:
    01225 477890
  • Minicom:
    01225 396155
  • Page Updated:
    22/11/2008
  • Author:
    Louise Murphy
A to Z Index
Related Documents

Corporate Equality Improvement Plan August 2008 -July 2009 Corporate Equality Improvement Plan August 2008 -July 2009

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Equality and Diversity

Welcome to the Bath & North East Somerset Council Equality web pages

The Council's Commitment to Equalities

Bath & North East Somerset Council is committed to equality of opportunity for the whole community and believes that the diversity of the community is a major strength which contributes to the social and economic prosperity of the area.  In March 2006 the Council agreed an Equal Opportunities Policy which will underpin all of our work.  This policy is supported by an Equality Commitment which was agreed in 2005.

The Council commits to make sure that no resident of, or visitor to the area, job applicant, employee or other person associated with the Council is treated inequitably or in an unlawful or unjustifiably discriminatory manner.

The Council recognises that inequality, injustice, disadvantage and discrimination exist in society, and will take action to make sure that no one who deals with the Council will be discriminated against or receive less favourable treatment because of their:

  • Age
  • Disability
  • Financial status
  • Gender, civil partnership or marital status
  • HIV status
  • Homelessness
  • Political view
  • Race, colour, ethnic or national origin
  • Religion 
  • Sexual Orientation
  • Unrelated Criminal Convictions

Achievements:

  • The Council has currently achieved level 2 of the Equality Standard for Local Government, and is working towards level 3.
  • The Council implemented its first Race Equality Scheme and Action Plan in 2002, these were reviewed in 2005. We have also developed our Disability Equality Scheme in December 2006 and Gender Equality Scheme in April 2007.
  • The Council has supports networks for Black and Minority Ethnic staff, Disabled staff and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender staff.
  • In 2007 the Council was ranked as 25th best employer for Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual staff by the campaign group Stonewall.
  • The Council has been accredited as "Positive About Disabled People" in recognition of our good practice in employing Disabled people.

RIghts and Responsibilities

We believe that making our equality principles mainstream in all that we do means that there are rights and responsibilities for or staff and those who use Council services.

Your Rights – if you use Council Services.  We will:

  • Provide an equal and accessible service to all sections of the community
  • Provide clear information about our services
  • Work with local organisations and groups in partnership
  • Encourage you to be involved in our decision making
  • Deal with complaints fairly and efficiently.

Your Rights – if you are employed by the Council.  We will:

  • Make sure that all staff and job applicants are treated fairly and equally
  • Work towards having a workforce that represents our community
  • Value and respect all our employees
  • Make sure the workplace is free from discrimination and harassment
  • Provide an accessible workspace where possible
  • Encourage all employees to reach their full potential
  • Deal with complaints fairly and efficiently

Your Responsibilities – if you are employed by the Council:

  • Not accepting discrimination
  • Challenging discrimination whenever it occurs
  • Making sure that all our services are delivered fairly