AGENDA ITEM 10
COUNCIL
15 SEPTEMBER 2009
CORPORATE “FAIRNESS FOR ALL” (EQUALITY) SCHEME 2009-2012:
REPORT OF THE PORTFOLIO HOLDER FOR SOCIAL CARE AND EQUALITIES
PART OF THE PUBLISHED FORWARD PLAN
STATUS
1.
Yes
Strategic Policy
PURPOSE
To seek Council approval to the Corporate “Fairness for All” (Equality)
Scheme 2009-2012.
2.
DECISION REQUIRED
2.1
That Council approves:
(i)
the Corporate “Fairness for All” (Equality) Scheme for 2009-2012
subject the following amendments:
at page 5:
Our Vision for Fairer Outcomes – point 2
People can influence decisions that affect their lives and no community is
considered “hard to reach” – delete “considered” to read
“People can influence decisions that affect their lives and no Community is
“hard to reach”.
at Appendix 1 Page 46 – Action Plan
Affordable Homes total: delete 3,500, March 2010 and insert “370” and
March 2011;
(ii)
that Cabinet monitor and review progress against this Agenda through
half-yearly reports on the related Corporate Equality Performance
Indicators, as part of Corporate Performance Reports, and Annual
Progress Reports against the Scheme’s Action Plan.
(iii)
the publication arrangements and that the final document will be
approved in accordance with the Corporate Accessible
Communications Guidance for written material. A summary version will
be produced and the Scheme will be made available in alternative
formats (audio tape, large print and Easy Read) and can be requested
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in other formats and languages. The approved document will be
publicised through the Borough of Poole’s website, the Loop, Poole
News and “Talking Matters”.
3.
BACKGROUND/INFORMATION
3.1
Cabinet, at its meeting on 8th September 2009, considered the above Scheme
and recommended it to Council for approval. This “Fairness for All” Scheme
provides the Borough of Poole’s Vision and Action Plan for promoting equality
and celebrating diversity for and with the people of Poole and sets out its
commitment to meet Equality legislation duties.
3.2
A copy of the Scheme was circulated to Members of the Council with Cabinet
papers and is on the Borough of Poole Website. Should any Member wish to
receive a hard copy this can be supplied by contacting Legal and Democratic
Services.
3.3
Cabinet noted and made textual amendments as detailed in the Decisions
Required Section of my Report.
3.4
The Council’s existing promoting Equality and Respecting Diversity Scheme
has been in place for 3 years and needed to be updated. The new Scheme
continues to recognise that residents, visitors and employees have different
needs and may find themselves in circumstances that may limit opportunities
to fulfil their potential. This Policy clearly sets out how the Council will provide
equality of opportunity to access services and employment practices. The
Action Plan sets out improvement areas for the coming 3 years.
3.5
The Scheme highlights the Borough’s target to reach the “Excellent” level of
the Revised Equality Framework by September 2012. I urge Members to
support the Scheme as commitment will need to be reaffirmed by all
Members. Portfolio Holders have been asked to work with their Service Unit
Heads to implement the Scheme and relevant actions.
3.6
The Scheme and its implementation will also enable the Council to better
respond to legislation and external assessment processes, such as the
Comprehensive Area Assessment. The Audit Commission is placing a much
greater emphasis on user focus, diversity and addressing inequality.
3.7
I would urge all Members to support adoption of this Scheme and to work
towards the Council achieving its “Excellent” level of the Revised Equality
Framework.
COUNCILLOR MS ELAINE ATKINSON
PORTFOLIO HOLDER FOR SOCIAL CARE AND EQUALITIES
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