Issue - meetings

To consider a recommendation of Resources Scrutiny Committee of 26 November 2019.

That the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy be adopted subject to the following amendments:-

(a)       That the sentence "the council ... policies" in paragraph 9.1 of the report be replaced by "The policy will be reviewed on a regular basis by the relevant portfolio holder and will be taken through the committee process every three years  to ensure that it reflects the latest legalisation, best practice and other council policies."

(b)       That the term "local characteristics" be changed to "Dorset Council's protected characteristics".

(c)       That a minimum of one key performance indicator be developed for equality and diversity once the Council Plan is finalised.

Reason for Decision

The Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy would ensure that the Council was delivering services fairly and meeting the needs of Dorset communities whilst also being a fair and inclusive employer.

The policy would ensure that the Council was meeting its statutory duties as contained in the Equality Act 2010.

The Portfolio Holder for Corporate Development and Change set out a report and recommendations from Resources Scrutiny Committee for the approval of Dorset Council’s approach to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Members were advised that Dorset Council was committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion; promoting a culture that actively values difference and recognises that people from different backgrounds and experiences can bring valuable insights to the workplace and enhance the way we work with the diverse communities that make up Dorset.

The Chairman of Resources Scrutiny Committee confirmed that the committee supported the adoption of the policy subject to minor amendments.

Decision

That the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy be adopted subject to the following amendments:-

(a)       That the sentence "the council ... policies" in paragraph 9.1 of the report be replaced by "The policy will be reviewed on a regular basis by the relevant portfolio holder and will be taken through the committee process every three years  to ensure that it reflects the latest legalisation, best practice and other council policies."

(b)       That the term "local characteristics" be changed to "Dorset Council's protected characteristics".

(c)       That a minimum of one key performance indicator be developed for equality and diversity once the Council Plan is finalised.

Reason for Decision

The Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy would ensure that the Council was delivering services fairly and meeting the needs of Dorset communities whilst also being a fair and inclusive employer.

The policy would ensure that the Council was meeting its statutory duties as contained in the Equality Act 2010.