This report provides details of the Council’s working draft Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Framework.

Following consideration, it was resolved that the Committee:

(1)      Approved the working draft Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Framework.

(2)      Agreed that the three themes could go out to public consultation. 

The Committee received a report providing details of the Council’s working draft Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Framework.

The following matters were considered:

a)            Councillor training. The Committee noted that it was intended to provide Councillors with training and a Members’ Briefing session with regard to the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Framework. It was also noted that Officers would look into the possibility of providing unconscious bias training to Councillors.

b)            Reqirements upon business partners and contractors. A Councillor asked whether the Council placed requirements on its contractors and business partners which provided services on its behalf with regard to equality, diversity and inclusion matters. As the relevant officer had lost connection to the meeting at this time, it was noted that a written response would be provided to all Members of the Committee and the Councillor in attendance with regard to this matter following the meeting.

c)            Covid-19 Risk assessments. Following a question from a Member, the Head of HR and Organisational Development informed the Committee that the Council had undertaken a significant amount of work across its buildings and set up a task group to review Covid-secure arrangements at Council venues. In relation to staff, the Council was working closely with its occupational health provider.

d)            Thanks to the Head of Digital and Service Transformation and staff – accessibility of Council website. The Committee expressed its thanks to the Head of Digital and Service Transformation and her team for their work to make the Council’s website meet the legislative requirements of accessibility of public websites.

Following consideration, it was resolved unanimously that the Committee:

(1)      Approved the working draft Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Framework.

(2)      Agreed that the three themes could go out to public consultation.