Our Equality Reference Group supports the County Council’s work on equality and diversity by providing advice, feedback, scrutiny and connections to Devon’s diverse communities. It symbolises the partnership of Devon County Council with the local community in its commitment to equality, and includes members from various local organisations pressing for change. Equality Reference Group members are ‘subject matter experts’ from the voluntary and community sector and are independent of the County Council. Service Level Agreements are in place.
Membership
- Racial equality representative: Plymouth and Devon Racial Equality Council.
- LGB&T+ representative: Intercom Trust (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans people).
- Disability representative: Disability Together (formerly Living Options Devon) (Disabled people and carers).
- Gender equality representative: previously Fawcett Devon with new representative pending.
- Older person’s representative: Age UK Devon
- Young person’s representative: Young Devon.
- Religion and belief representative: Devon Faith and Belief Forum.
- Trade Unions equality representative.
Position Statements
Position Statements from the Equality Reference Group can be viewed here.
How to get involved:
The group meet regularly throughout the year. Officers or Members are welcome to come along to an Equality Surgery (with the possibility to request one if any of the dates below are unsuitable). The group can also give insight and advice to Scrutiny Committees.
County Council Officers and Members wishing to consult the ERG on proposed changes to policy, strategy, or service delivery can contact the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion team. An early conversation with the Equality Reference Group can help inform an Equality Impact Assessment which should shape and influence policy/strategy.
Community organisations can request agenda items or raise questions by discussing this with one of the members (for example, if you are a disability organisation then contact the disability representative). If you are not sure who to contact please email the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion team. Please note, the group focus on strategic policy and planning matters and do not represent individual complainants. If you have a complaint please use the Council’s feedback process.