Equality and Diversity Project

Information

Funding- In March 2009 the East Midlands Region was identified as an area performing poorly in embedding equalities in local authorities' (LAs) activities and service delivery processes. The EM IEP was provided with funding of £70,000 by the CLG to develop a regional project to improve performance and efficiency within the region. The same amount of funding was also provided to 2 other RIEP's in regions with similar poor performance in mainstreaming Equalities.

Before the EM IEP could design and implement a project, some market research needed to be completed as a baselining exercise. A survey was sent out electronically to all the equalities officers in the region and filled out by 34 people. The survey was used to gather data from public sources to compile a statistical report which ‘mapped the gaps' in identifying how effectively equalities had been embedded in LAs activity across the region. The final report included statistical analysis of the survey data, relevant national indicator data, best value performance data and place survey data. This report was used as the evidence base to scope the Equalities and Diversity regional project. After stakeholder consultation this scoping exercise was used to develop milestones and the funding profile for the Equalities project plan

The survey and scoping exercise identified that equality and diversity officers wanted more capacity, support with mainstreaming equalities principles and better buy in to the agenda from procurement officers and councillors.

Therefore a range of objectives were developed to encourage the above:-

• Good practice case studies
• Procurement and Equalities events
• Member training
• Equalities and Diversity officer events
• Delivering Chances Awards

• Case Studies- Can be used to help with capacity issues for E & D officers and help to mainstream equalities and diversity. The EM IEP commissioned Cream Communications to produce 5 good practice case studies which are available at the links below We have also identified a further 2 case studies with Derbyshire County Council and Nottingham City Council both around service improvement with innovative use of EqIA's and performance management tools.
• Northampton Borough Council: A New Decade of Successful Procurement
• Generating Savings and Efficiency Through Shared Services: High Peak & Staffordshire Moorlands
• Leicestershire County Council Takes Positive Action
• Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service Improve Services and Working Partnerships for a Safer Community
• Mansfield District Council Leaps Into Action with the New Equalities Framework

• Procurement Events- As procurement was also stated as an issue by equalities workers, the EM IEP designed two procurement innovative events called ‘A New Tool for Successful Procurement'. Both events were well received with positive feedback from both equality & diversity and procurement officers. The event gave officers from both disciplines a chance to explore regional good practice, learn about new equality & diversity legislation and how it applies to procurement, gain practical training on using EqIA's to drive efficiencies within the procurement process and learn that inclusive procurement can save money. It also gave equality and diversity officers and procurement officers the opportunity to network and make contacts.

• Seminars for Councillors- Low councillor engagement with the Equalities and Diversity agenda was identified as a key issue in mainstreaming equalities into local authority processes. Therefore, one of our objectives became to develop original member training events. The ‘Reading the Signs: Why people turn off politics' event was designed specifically to cut to the heart of what it means to be a local councillor and UK citizen. It challenged all delegates to consider how their own understanding of, and approach to, exclusion, prejudice, active citizenship and the democratic deficient can dramatically influence the dynamics in communities. It also helped Councillors to be alert to, and explore, the appeal of ideas, and energies, that work against cohesive, and well-integrated communities.

• Equality and Diversity Officer Events- Feedback from equality & diversity officers suggested that they wanted more up-to-date information on the changes which will be implemented through the new equalities bill, more information around the equality law and support with Equality Impact Assessments. The EM IEP has organised 3 9.30am- 3pm events to be held throughout April in 3 different locations across the region. The morning will be specifically designed to support E & D officers with their knowledge of the future changes to equalities legislation, how to resource E & D data and some information on Human Rights and Equalities. The afternoon will have an interactive sharing of regional and national good practice and then a practical workshop on how to use Equality Impact Assessments efficiently and effectively. This event will provide equality & diversity officers with the knowledge to feedback this information and learning throughout their organisations.

Publications

NEW! Equality plus Efficiency equals Excellence

Capital Ambition has produced a new booklet that showcases local perspectives on tackling inequality for greater efficiency. The booklet provides innovative and practical examples of how authorities have been promoting equality to deliver efficient and effective everyday services. The guide forms part of Capital Ambition's ongoing work with London authorities to deepen understanding of the impact of the recession on London, and share information on how councils are responding to the challenge.

[download PDF document]

NEW! Pathways Through the Maze: a guide to procurement law - This guide is for anyone working for a local charity, voluntary organisation, community group or social enterprise who is interested or involved in the commissioning and procurement of public services. It will help you understand procurement processes and give you the information you need to challenge the myths and mistruths about procurement. [download PDF document]

NEW! Promoting Diversity: the power of procurement - In this report the CBI showcases partnerships between CBI member companies and the public sector to promote diversity in the delivery of public services. [download PDF document]

NEW! Leeds City Council have produced an interesting guide on Equality

[download PDF document]

Common Standard for Equalities in Public Sector Procurement

The Authorities that comprise the West Midlands Forum (WMF) are committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment and have developed a Common Standard for assessing whether council contractors meet the requirements of legislation aimed at promoting equality for all ages, disabilities, genders, races, religions and sexual orientations in the workplace. [download PDF document]