The Council adopted a Gender Equality Scheme in 2009, but is now required to review it in light of further guidance from the EHRC. The revised draft incorporates key improvements, which will address the concerns of the EHRC and ensure that the revised scheme complies with the Council’s statutory duty and leads to positive and specific improvements in gender equality for the Council and wider community under the following headings:
The revised scheme will be informed by a targeted consultation with key internal and external stakeholders, including:
Given the short timescale for adoption of the scheme, the Portfolio Holder is asked to approve a 3-week consultation, which is below the 12-week period set out in the Cambridgeshire Compact but nevertheless an adequate period within which to carry out meaningful consultation with the groups identified above. Any further gaps in the Council’s knowledge and understanding of Gender Equality priorities as an employer and service provider can be addressed through actions within the scheme itself.
The draft scheme was considered by the Senior Management Team (SMT) at its meeting on 17 March 2010, and some amendments to the consultation draft are likely to be required in light of SMT’s comments. Consequently the Portfolio Holder is recommended to approve the scheme for consultation in principle at this stage, and to delegate authority to the Executive Director (Operational Services) to approve a final consultation draft incorporating SMT’s comments, and any additional feedback the Portfolio Holder may wish to make.
Decision type: Key
Reason Key: Significant to Locality, Council or Services;
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Decision due: 17 November 2010 by Lead Cabinet member for Housing
Disability Equality Scheme
Decision due: 21 March 2012 by Lead Cabinet member for Housing
Lead member: Lead Cabinet member for Housing
Department: Chief Executive's Services
Contact: Paul Williams, Domestic Abuse Project Officer Email: paul.williams@scambs.gov.uk.
Consultees
Equality and Diversity Steering Group
Executive Management Team
Internal / external stakeholders
17 March 2010:
A task group made up of service representatives from the Gender Equality Steering Group and endorsed by the Senior Management Team (SMT) has developed the revised scheme. In addition, the Council has received, and been grateful for, the support of a specialist consultant provided and funded by the East of England Regional Assembly. The Equalities and Diversity Officer has also met with his counterpart from East Cambridgeshire District Council, which has recently revised its Gender Equality Scheme.