Issue - meetings

Report of Corporate Director for Customers and Organisational Development

Purpose of report

This paper for Executive outlines the joint approach to equalities, diversity and inclusion being taken by Cherwell District Council in partnership with Oxfordshire County Council.

Recommendations

The meeting is recommended to:

1.1             Agree the Including Everyone, Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion Framework (Appendix 1).

1.2             Agree the initial Including Everyone, Action Plan (Appendix 2). 

Resolved

(1)      That the Including Everyone, Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion Framework (Annex to the Minutes as set out in the Minutes Book) be agreed.

(2)      That the initial Including Everyone, Action Plan  (Annex to the Minutes as set out in the Minutes Book) be agreed

The Corporate Director for Customers and Organisational Development submitted a report which outlined the joint approach to equalities, diversity and inclusion being taken by Cherwell District Council in partnership with Oxfordshire County Council.

On behalf of Executive, the Chairman commended the work to date and noted that this would be an ongoing piece of work.

Resolved

(1)      That the Including Everyone, Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion Framework (Annex to the Minutes as set out in the Minutes Book) be agreed.

(2)      That the initial Including Everyone, Action Plan  (Annex to the Minutes as set out in the Minutes Book) be agreed.

Reasons

The updating of the council's equality policy is a statutory requirement and this update has been undertaken in partnership with Oxfordshire County Council to align approaches. This is in-line with the agreed principles of joint working. It also reflects upon the serious inequalities within our communities. The updated draft policy is named ‘Including Everyone. Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion Framework’.

This policy highlights the need for change and describes what we are seeking to tackle to create a more inclusive community, services and workplace in Cherwell.

Alternative options

Option 1: Not updating the policy.

This would not ensure that we fulfil our statutory obligations to have an up-to-date equalities framework.

Option 2: Updating the policy for Cherwell District Council only.

This would not be in line with the strategic partnership arrangement with Oxfordshire County Council. A shared approach with then separate action plans appropriate for both councils maximises the use of resources and aligns direction.