Equality is about quality for everyone and the creation of a fairer society where everyone can participate and has the opportunity to fulfil their potential. No one should be denied opportunities because of differences between any individual or group. Freedom from discrimination and Equality of opportunity is a fundamental right.

We believe in a society that welcomes, respects and celebrates the richness that individual differences can bring. Diversity means understanding that each person is unique.

In Devon County Council, we are committed to challenging inequality and celebrating diversity to achieve our Vision of Fairness and Equality (522KB - pdf help):

• People achieve their own potential and a good quality of life
• Everyone can use or access our services, facilities or information
• There is public influence over decision making, planning, policy and service delivery
• Devon is a stronger, safer and inclusive community
• People have trust and confidence in us to report incidents or abuse or discrimination
• Across all levels, our workforce is supported and reflects the community

Working through the Devon Strategic Partnership, we have signed up to a Joint Declaration for Equality (89KB - pdf help). Through this, we will work together with our partners on joint projects, pooling our resources where it will help to achieve our Vision.

The Council is focused on mainstreaming equality. What this means is that we will actively include the equality dimension into the everyday workings of the Council and our partners. This will involve all aspects and levels of our work - from planning policy and strategy, decision-making right through to how we support and deliver services.

We recognise that mainstreaming of equality in our Council requires:

• leadership, political commitment, and ownership through-out the organisation;
• equality and diversity considerations to be ‘built in’ rather than ‘bolted on’ to departmental work plans and policy objectives;
• networks and effective mechanisms of consultation and participaton with individuals, groups and organisations;
• it will take time, but will lead to better accountability for our decisions and actions.

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