Procurement and Equalities

Introduction

The new Equality Framework for Local Government (EFLG) builds on and develops the work councils have done on the Equality Standard for Local Government (ESLG). It contains many new features that are more relevant to the way local authorities work today. The Equality Bill is also set to revolutionise equalities and diversity practice when it becomes an Act in the near future. Within the sector District Councils are seen to find the new duties challenging. Equality Impact Assessments are often misunderstood and based on 2008 figures, 12% of EM district councils were at level one of the Equality Standard, 79% at level two, 6% at level three, 3% at level four and 0% at level five. In 2009 the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) perceived that 21 EM district councils were not delivering their gender duty.

Engagement

To support this area CLG provided £70k (ring fenced) to support East Midlands District Councils in their understanding of the Equality Duty generally and specifically to support those 21 District Councils that were considered vulnerable in terms of the gender duty. The project is enabling the region's local authorities to deliver services with equality principles at their core and is a good example of EM IEP adding value to other activity taking place in the East Midlands. Two thirds of the 46 local authorities in the region replied to an equality and diversity survey, to map the needs of the region and tailor the support being provided.

Benefits Delivered

A New Tool for Successful Procurement - Two innovative events have been developed to highlight how good practice on inclusion can save money. The events ‘A New Tool for Successful Procurement' were held in January and February, with the latter being oversubscribed. Procurement officers left these events having explored regional good practice case studies, learnt about new equality and diversity legislation and how it applies to procurement and gained practical training on using Equality Impact Assessments to drive efficiencies within procurement processes.

Next Steps

• Develop Standard Documents for use by all procurement officers, and particularly for the benefit of District Councils, that bring together Procurement and Equalities Impact Assessments.
• Procurement/ Equality training provided for officers within local authoritie