The Equality Standard for Local Government was established in 2001, as a performance and improvement framework to enable local authorities to mainstream equality . The Equality Standard consisted of five levels, level one being the lowest and five being the highest. The Council is currently at Level 2 of the Standard.
In April 2009, the Equality Framework for Local Government replaced the Equality Standard. The new framework will now focus on outcomes for the community rather than processes. The new framework consists of three levels:
Level 1 – Developing
Level 2 – Achieving
Level 3 – Excellent
As an authority that had reached Level 2 of the previous standard we have been reclassified as Developing.
The new Equality Framework for Local Government is constructed around five areas of Change Management :
a) Knowing Your Communities – Equality Mapping
b) Place shaping, leadership, partnership and organisational commitment
c) Community engagement and satisfaction
d) Responsive services and customer care
e) A modern and diverse workforce
The Council has produced a self-assessment against the ‘Achieving’ level criteria of the framework.
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