REPORT OF THE

CABINET/LEADER

PART II

THE EQUALITY STANDARD FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT

1. Members will recall that in May 2002 the County Council adopted the Equality Standard for Local Government (ESLG) and published the Corporate Equality Plan and Race Equality Scheme. Since then presentations have been made to each Policy Review Committee, and training sessions organised for Members on race and equality impact assessment and the Disability Discrimination Act. This supports Aim 1 (Maximising Life Opportunities, Aim 5 (Improving Services) and Aim 6 (Developing Councillors and Staff) of the County Council's Corporate Strategy.

2. The Cabinet has now received a progress report which advises that the target of 2003/04 for achieving Level 2 of the Equalities Standard has been met. However, the evidence compiled supports the Comprehensive Performance Assessment view that further work is required to embed equality and diversity into the County Council's organisational cultures and processes, and accordingly the Cabinet has agreed a revised plan for progress through the levels of the Standard with the objective of achieving Level 3 by April 2006. A cross-cutting Best Value Review of Equality and Diversity will contribute to this objective and is fully supported by the Cabinet.

3. Members have a crucial role to play through challenge and scrutiny and are urged to make every effort to attend County Council seminars and other such events connected with equality and diversity.