Issue - meetings

(a)       That the updated Diversity and Equality Policy be supported for endorsement by Cabinet; and

(b)       That the actions being taken to improve completion rates of the equality e learning modules be supported.

The Corporate Business & Communications Executive Officer presented the revised Diversity and Equality Policy for consideration and comment prior to endorsement by Cabinet.  The policy, originally approved in 2012, had been updated to reflect changes in legislation and working practices.

Although not a mandatory requirement, publication of the policy was considered good practice to demonstrate the Council’s commitment to developing an inclusive workforce and high quality services which met people’s needs.  Attention was drawn to examples of work undertaken to comply with the policy and the various types of discrimination.

Following a request by Councillor Johnson, officers agreed to include reference to the Officers’ Code of Conduct (in addition to the Members’ Code of Conduct) within the policy.  In response to comments about ongoing ‘refresher’ training for the workforce, senior officers and managers were exploring different ways of increasing completion rates on the e-learning modules.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the updated Diversity and Equality Policy be supported for endorsement by Cabinet; and

(b)       That the actions being taken to improve completion rates of the equality e learning modules be supported.