We want to accelerate our efforts to mainstream equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in all our activities, and collaborate with our partners to ensure that the whole county is championing our values around EDI.
Our ambition is for the authority to become a beacon of best practice and positive change. We will work with the principles of continuous improvement to influence innovation, learning and organisational development.
In February 2023, our Cabinet approved the setting up on an Equality Commission to drive improvement through an equality action plan, providing political direction and greater accountability.
Scope
The Commission’s scope intends to be as wide-reaching as possible to ensure its contribution and impact is as significant as it can be. The Commission’s work will form the cornerstone of equality, diversity and inclusion standards and best practice, in line with the Equality Act 2010 and other relevant legislation, to which the Council’s services, policies, procedures and work will strive to adhere to.
The Commission will promote the advancement of equality and challenge discrimination in all its forms. To achieve this, it aims to break down barriers prohibiting an inclusive society, tackle unfairness caused by inequality and encourage community cohesion through increased understanding and awareness.
Role
The Commission will:
- Uphold the values of the organisation.
- Provide leadership on EDI matters.
- Highlight and investigate issues and make recommendations.
- Report on progress to Corporate Infrastructure and Regulatory Services Scrutiny Committee.
- Provide public accountability.
Values
The Commission’s values are to:
- Be open and honest
- Act with integrity
- Be inclusive
- Listen
- Be brave, bold and confident.
Membership
The Commission is made up of six cross-party Devon elected Members and includes a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson.
Its members are:
Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs and Broadband, also with Cabinet responsibilities for communities, public health and EDI.
Councillr Simon Clist Cabinet Member for Assets and Resources
Reporting
The Commission will provide progress reports to the Corporate Infrastructure and Regulatory Services Scrutiny Committee twice a year to highlight its concerns, its work, impact and outcomes. Recommendations are taken to Cabinet for decision.
The Commission may establish task groups, enquiry days, and undertake other models of engagement or research as deemed necessary.
The Commission will be supported by the Director/Deputy Director for Legal and Democratic Services and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Team.
Connection
Service EDI leads, staff network and community representatives (‘EDI stakeholders’) influence and feedback on equality priorities and actions.
The Commission and EDI team will engage with EDI stakeholders to co-produce and monitor an Equality Action Plan.
Service EDI leads will:
- Respond to priorities by negotiating and supporting the development and delivery of an Equality Action Plan.
- Provide tactical leadership, working with departments (including HR) who will design or implement policy, activities, cultural or service change to meet targets.
- Track and report on progress to the Board.
Our staff networks provide a space for staff with a common interest to connect and support eachother, and influence workforce policy and practice. Currently our staff networks include people with the following protected characteristics:
- Neurodiversity
- Disability
- Menopause
- LGBT+
- Ethnically diverse staff
The Equality Reference Group (ERG) is a body of representatives from the voluntary and community sector covering the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and Trade Union EDI representative. The ERG has links with the wider voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector through the Devon, Plymouth and Torbay VCSE Assembly and their own networks.