Appendix 1
GRAVESHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL
HEAD OF POLICY & PARTNERSHIPS
Taking Pride in Our Diversity:
Race Equality Scheme Monitoring Report 2006-07
A Safer Place
What we said we would do
♦ Together with the Gravesham Crime and Disorder Partnership [now the
Dartford and Gravesham CDRP], review the number, nature and distribution of
reported racial incidents to identify patterns relevant to social housing
management policies and practices.
♦ Through the Joint Commissioning Partnership, promote a co-ordinated
approach to race equality and harassment issues among social housing
providers in the Borough.
What has been done or is in progress
♦ Work on these issues is still in progress. An update report will be provided by
November 2007.
♦ Officers are to re-launch the Housing Association Liaison Group (HALG) to
ensure consistency on a number of policies / procedures including approaches
to race equality and harassment. An update report will be provided by
November 2007.
A Cleaner and Greener Environment
♦ There were no specific actions relating to this strategic aim.
Healthy and Diverse Communities
What we said we would do
♦ Work with the Health and Social Care Forum to establish targets for promoting
the well-being of ME communities in the borough including via initiatives to
promote healthy diet and exercise.
♦ Consult effectively with REC and ME community groups on future reviews of
key policies and strategies affecting ME communities as set out in the Race
Equality Scheme.
♦ Review how the North West Kent Race Equality Council can assist further in
facilitating the Council’s race relations work.
♦ As part of the Council’s wider Equality Strategy, review how other equalities
issues impact on ME communities and individuals by addressing issues
concerning, for example – gender and race, including specific needs of ME
women
♦ Consult with REC and other ME groups on mechanisms for involving residents
in the future development of services (including implementation of the
Community Participation Strategy).
What has been done or is in progress
Appendix 1
♦ Attention has focused on developing an obesity strategy for the area, which
was endorsed by the Cabinet in January 2007. The Well-being of young
people is a central element of the Dartford & Gravesham Youth Strategy.
Targeted work for people from minority ethnic communities is included
programmes led by the council – for example, a comprehensive food and
nutrition programme delivered at the Gr@nd. There is a nurse-led
contraception service for young people and the Positive Futures Programme,
led by Charlton Athletic FC, promotes diversity and community cohesion
through sport.
♦ The council has worked closely with the REC on a number of initiatives,
including –
o to raise awareness of domestic violence, particularly forced marriages.
A conference for stakeholders and practitioners was held in November
2006;
o to gain community feedback on how local agencies are promoting
racial equality. A conference was held in March 2006;
o to explore how the council could work better with local groups. This
led to the establishment of the Communities’ Consultation Reference
Group in July 2006; and
o developing closer links with the Muslim community, through a series of
dialogues.
♦ A Disability Equality Reference Group has been established to engage with
disabled people in the implementation of the council’s Disability Equality
Scheme. Minority ethnic communities are well represented on the Group. A
similar Reference Group is being established to engage with faith
communities.
♦ A Community Participation Strategy is still in development.
Excellent Housing
What we said we would do
♦ Review levels of awareness and understanding of sheltered housing services
among ME elders and their relatives to identify any barriers to applications for
housing and identify a site for a second ME Elders scheme.
♦ Review levels of awareness, understanding and take-up of the Council’s
Housing Repairs Services to identify any action needed (jointly with Head of
Environmental Services).
♦ Consult effectively with the REC and ME groups on priority areas for:
(a) investment to in the Council’s Sustainable Estates programme and to meet
the Decent Homes standard; and
(b) future action under the Council’s Social Inclusion programmes.
♦ Via the planned Housing Needs Survey and consultation with gypsies and
travellers, establish the need for additional gypsy/traveller site(s) in
Gravesham (jointly with the Planning Services Department).
♦ Review effectiveness in meeting ME community needs of the current strategy
to target grant assistance to the town centre area as part of the Private Sector
Housing Renewal Strategy.
♦ Consult with minority ethnic communities and Benefits staff to identify where
improved information, publicity or training could help to improve the take up
among ME communities of the Really Useful Savings & Loan Account
Appendix 1
What has been done or is in progress
♦ Some of this work has been delayed due to the stock option ballot process.
Where appropriate progress reports will be provide by November 2007.
♦ Housing Needs Survey complete. To roll out actions in relation to
gypsy/travellers as part of the adoption process. The Head of Housing attends
corporate gypsy/traveller group.
♦ Work carried out on sheltered housing services. Specifics to be followed up
and action plan to be completed.
♦ Across the whole borough there has been no take-up of the Really Useful
Savings & Loan Account.
Community-led Regeneration
What we said we would do
♦ Review types of applications and areas with high levels of refusals of planning
permission to identify any issues disproportionately affecting minority ethnic
applicants.
♦ Jointly with the NK Enterprise Agency, Gravesend Town Centre Initiative and
the NWKREC, review the nature and extent of any issues and needs specific
to small and medium ME-owned/run enterprises as a basis for any future
support and liaison work.
♦ Promote take up of grants and other assistance for capacity-building, skills
development and business development by ME-based groups/individuals.
What has been done or is in progress
♦ All work relating to these actions is still in progress. An update will be provided
by November 2007.
An Excellent Council
What we said we would do
♦ Review take-up of, and publicity for (a) the range of information materials available in community languages
(including web-based materials); and
(b) the translation service for applicants and enquirers - including
assessment of the need for FAQ booklets in community languages
♦ Review racial complaints from customers and action taken on them to identify
any repeated or newly-emerging patterns requiring further action.
♦ Assess the impact of changed customer care policies and procedures on
minority groups, using baseline data and community consultation to identify
any further policies and practices requiring review.
♦ In consultation with the NWKREC, review the staff training programmes to
ensure –
(a) appropriate coverage of race equality and diversity issues;
(b) that ME staff have equal access to training and development
opportunities (including e-learning provision); and
Appendix 1
♦ (c) appropriately-targeted opportunities exist for young people from ME
backgrounds to gain work experience with the Council.
What has been done or is in progress
♦ All work relating to these actions is still in progress. An update will be provided
by November 2007