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