Archived decisions

Decision Maker:

Cabinet

Date of Decision:

24 November 2008

Decision Title:

Annual Equality & Diversity report and agreement of the Equality Scheme

Decision Reference:

299

Report From:

Chief Executive

Contact name:

Jane Goodwin

Tel:

01962 847789

Email:

[email protected]

1) Summary

The following decisions were made:

1.1. Cabinet agreed that the Council should proceed and seek external validation of the Equality Standard level 3 self assessment

1.2. Cabinet agreed the revised Equality Scheme and Improvement Plan .

1.3. Cabinet requested that all decisions take account of their impact on diverse communities.

2) Reasons for the decision

These are the reasons for this decision being made, including any links to the corporate strategy.

2.1. External scrutiny of our self assessment will validate the Council's approach to equality & diversity and put us in a good position to show improvement for the CAA.

2.2. The Equality Scheme and Improvement Plan are an essential part of level 3 achievement

2.3. The scheme will assist the Council to meet its statutory duties and prepare for forthcoming legal changes.

2.4. This decision will support the Corporate Priorities in particular it sets out steps that will assist the Council break down barriers and improve choice for all - a key corporate value which underpins the priorities.

3) Other options considered and rejected:

3.1. Option 1: agree the decision recommendations

3.2. a) Risk Assessment: External scrutiny of our self assessment will validate the Council's approach to equality & diversity and put us in a good position to show improvement for the CAA. The Equality Scheme and Improvement Plan are an essential part of level 3 achievement

3.3. Option 2: Not agree the recommendations

3.4. Risk Assessment: If the recommendations are not agreed then the Council's performance on equality and diversity would not meet the expected standard.

4) Conflicts of Interest:

4.1. Conflicts of interest declared by the decision-maker:

None

4.2. Conflicts of interest declared by other Executive Members consulted:

None

5) Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee:

None

6) Any reasons for the matter being dealt with if urgent :

None

7) Statement from the Decision Maker:

Approved by:

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Date: 24 November 2008

Chairman of the Cabinet

Councillor T.K. Thornber, CBE