Appendix 3 Hampshire County Council

Equalities Strategic Action Group

Terms of Reference

Introduction

The Equalities Strategic Action Group (ESAG) will ensure that the County Council takes a strategic and coherent approach to the implementation of the Corporate Equalities Strategy.

This approach is essential to ensure that equalities issues are `mainstreamed' in all activities undertaken by and on behalf of Hampshire County Council. It links clearly with the Best Value process and will support departments to meet the Audit Commission Performance Indicators.

Regular reports will be presented to the Corporate Management team and annually to members.

Role of ESAG

To provide a focus for the strategic and operational management of equalities within the County Council

To support the County Council in meeting the equalities related Best Value and Audit Commission performance indicators

To monitor the effectiveness of the Corporate Equalities Strategy and policies

To review and recommend appropriate changes to County policies and practices through the Corporate Management team

To provide a corporate framework (corporate action plan) that will enable each department to include equalities issues into all their work through an action plan that links equalities with the business activities of that department

To monitor departmental action plans

To be a forum for the exchange of information and ideas about good practice in equalities issues

To ensure that the views of minority groups as identified in the equalities strategy contribute to the work of the County Council

Membership of ESAG

To reflect the emphasis on service delivery and employment each department or grouping will be represented by a senior manager.

The chair of the group will be a member of the Corporate Management Team

Also in attendance will be the Race Policy Adviser (social services department), and the Equalities Adviser.

Trade Union representation to be agreed.

The Equalities Team will arrange the administration of ESAG