TUNBRIDGE WELLS BOROUGH COUNCIL OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE 17 APRIL 2007 REPORT OF HEAD OF COMMUNITY & CORPORATE PLANNING

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1 81 TUNBRIDGE WELLS BOROUGH COUNCIL OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE 17 APRIL 2007 REPORT OF HEAD OF COMMUNITY & CORPORATE PLANNING DRAFT COMPREHENSIVE EQUALITY SCHEME FOR CONSULTATION Executive Summary The draft gender equality, age equality, religion/belief equality and sexual orientation equality documents have been prepared. These documents contribute towards the Council s Comprehensive Equality Scheme and include action plans showing how Council Services will be improved to meet the needs of our customers. This report sets out how the consultation on the gender, age, religion/belief and sexual orientation elements of our Comprehensive Equality Scheme will be carried out prior to adoption by Full Council in Summer Members are asked to approve the following documents for consultation: Gender Equality Age Equality Religion/Belief Equality Sexual Orientation Equality FOR DECISION Background 1. Members will recall that the draft Comprehensive Equality Policy & Scheme (including race and disability action plans) were recommended for approval for consultation purposes by Cabinet on 16 th November 2006 [061116/CAB004] and by Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Policy and Development sub-committee on 7 th December 2006 [061207/PDOS002]. 2. The Comprehensive Equality Policy sets out the Borough Council s commitments to eliminating discrimination and promoting equality in its roles as a community leader, service provider and employer. 3. The Comprehensive Equality Scheme shows how we will deliver the policy and focuses on delivering outcomes for improving and shaping our services. 4. The development of the Comprehensive Equality Scheme has taken a phased approach. The policy, scheme and race equality and disability documents have been revised following consultation and will be published on 30 th April 2007, following approval by Full Council. 5. The gender, age, religion/belief and sexual orientation equality documents have now been drafted and will be consulted on following approval by Cabinet on 10 th May 2007.

2 82 Consultation 6. In developing the gender, age, religion/belief and sexual orientation documents, an initial consultation has been carried out with the public, voluntary and community organisations and Borough Council employees. The consultation sought to gain views on what the Council should adopt as priorities for the next three years to eliminate discrimination and promote equality in these areas. 7. Heads of Service have contributed actions that address the responses received during the consultation, outlining how equalities practice will be adopted across the services. Generic actions from the race and disability action plans have also been incorporated. The action plans are attached at Appendices A-D. 8. Once approved, the draft documents will be made available for consultation for a six-week period in May/June 2007 to confirm the priorities and actions identified. The documents will be published on the Borough Council s website together with a questionnaire seeking people s views on various aspects of the documents. We will also use our existing links to seek views from relevant partner organisations, local race and disability organisations and staff. Delivery of the Comprehensive Equality Policy & Scheme 9. Delivery of our service-level equality action plans for gender, age, religion/belief and sexual orientation will commence, once revisions have been made, following the consultation and adoption by Full Council in Summer Progress against the action plans and will be monitored and the outcomes we achieve will be promoted. Regular reports will be brought to Cabinet, through the newly established Corporate Equalities Monitoring Group. RECOMMENDED That the Overview and Scrutiny Committee recommends approval by Cabinet of the gender, age, religion/belief and sexual orientation equality documents for consultation. Contact Officer: Sarah Andrews, Equality Policy Officer Nazeya Hussain Head of Community & Corporate Planning Appendices: Appendix A: Gender Equality Appendix B: Age Equality Appendix C: Religion/Belief Equality Appendix D: Sexual Orientation Equality

3 83 Appendix A Draft Comprehensive Equality Scheme Gender Equality

4 84 Gender Equality Legal responsibilities Under the Equality Act (2006) the Council has a duty to: eliminate unlawful discrimination and harassment; and promote equality of opportunity between men and women. Unlawful discrimination applies to direct and indirect discrimination on the grounds of sex, pregnancy and maternity leave, gender reassignment, marital status (including civil partnerships). The Council must also meet the requirements of the specific duty to: prepare and publish a gender equality scheme, showing how it will meet its general and specific duties and setting out its gender equality objectives in formulating its overall objectives, to consider the need to include objectives to address the cause of any gender pay gap to gather and use information on how the public authority s and practices affect gender equality in the workforce and delivery of services to consult stakeholders and take account of relevant information in order to determine its gender equality objectives to assess the impact of its current and proposed policies and practice on gender equality to implement the actions set out in this scheme within three years, unless it is unreasonable or impracticable to do so to report against the scheme every three years and to review the scheme every three years. As an employer, the Council will monitor, with reference to the gender of its staff those who: are currently employed by the Council; apply for employment, training and promotion; receive training; benefit or suffer detriment as a result of the Council s performance assessment procedures; are involved in the Council s grievance procedures; are the subject of disciplinary procedures; and cease employment with the Council The Council already has employment monitoring arrangements in place relating to its race equality duties and will continue to publish annual reports to Cabinet which will be available on the Council s website ( and in other formats on request.

5 85 Gender in the borough Gender Borough % Kent % England % (total population: 104,030) Male Female (Source: Census 2001) The census data also highlights the following facts about men and women in the borough: the majority of part time workers are women who make up 21.2% of such employees, compared with men (3.3%). women have much lower levels of self-employment (6.9%) than men (16.8%). more economically inactive females aged look after home/family (13.7%) than men (0.8%) there are more female than male lone parent households with dependent children, ( 90.8% as compared to 9.8%). Although statistics are available indicating the gender of people in the borough, we do not have detailed information on their experiences of the services that the Council provides, or the extent to which their circumstances (such as caring responsibilities) affect that experience. Involving men and women Over the past few years the Council has made progress in consulting and involving men and women in the development of various plans and strategies. Groups and organisations have taken an active part in the Council s Stakeholder Conferences and contributed to the development of the borough s Community Plan through the Community Development Forum and the Town Forum. In developing this Gender Equality Scheme and action plan, we have: received views from local groups and organisations on the priorities we should adopt for promoting gender equality met women s organisations and obtained their views based on surveys of women in the borough publicised the scheme on the Council s website received views from our staff on the priorities we should adopt for promoting gender equality

6 86 Our vision for gender equality Our vision for gender equality in Tunbridge Wells borough is that: everyone should expect to have an opportunity to lead a fulfilling life, free from discrimination and harassment, regardless of their gender or marital status long-lasting changes that meet the needs, and improve the quality of lives, of men and women are identified barriers to social inclusion are removed men and women experience equality of opportunity when applying for employment and working for the Council all services delivered by us, and on our behalf, are appropriate and relevant to the needs of men and women Priorities for the next three years We have produced an action plan that shows what each of the Council s services intends to do to eliminate discrimination and promote gender equality over the next three years. We will also be working, with partners where appropriate, to achieve the following priorities: actively promote the involvement of local communities in the further development of this scheme gather more evidence to gain a better understanding of the needs of men and women in the community increase awareness and use of Council services where men or women are under-represented, ensuring that service users with caring responsibilities, receive appropriate support identify actions to address the causes of the gender pay gap in the Council s workforce The Council s performance in certain areas is monitored nationally through Best Value Performance Indicators (BVPIs), set by government. Over the next three years we will aim to: improve our level against the Equality Standard for Local Government increase the percentage of women employees at the Council who are in the top 5% of earners increase the percentage of actions taken against domestic violence

7 87 Gender Equality Action Plan Ref Objective Action Outcome/monitoring information and targets Directorate of Change and Business Support Customer Access and Business Transformation Date for Completion Implemented by G81. Ensure that reception areas are accessible and provide comfortable and confidential surroundings. Accommodation review will identify access improvement programme. Reception areas will be renovated August 2007 Head of Customer Access and Business Transformation. G82. Ensure that services are delivered equitably. Update guidance and information on equality issues in the customer service handbook. Staff will be aware of their customer service responsibilities in relation to equality issues. August 2007 Customer Service Manager Legal and Democratic Services G83. Ensure that internal clients within Council Services are aware of and comply with all relevant equalities legislation. Create checklists and toolkits which include guidance on legislation on relevant equalities legislation. Lawful actions will be taken by Council Services. July 2007 Principal Solicitor

8 88 Ref Objective Action Outcome/monitoring information and targets G84. Ensure/promote public Buildings and processes will access to ballot box. comply with best practice. Review buildings used consider alternative arrangements where deficiencies are identified. Buildings and processes will be audited. Date for Completion August 2007 Implemented by Democratic Services Manager Review processes and revise if required. Deficiencies and alternatives will be identified. G85. Encourage a diverse range of people to become Councillors. Hold informal information events for people to find out about becoming a Councillor. The Councillors reflect the diversity of the community they serve and act as role models for other individuals who want to become Councillors. Annually (February/Marc h) Head of Legal, HR and Democratic Services Promote the events towards targeted communities by attending meetings of representative organisations/groups and advertising in specialist publications and media.

9 89 Ref Objective Action Outcome/monitoring information and targets Human Resources Date for Completion Implemented by G86. Ensure the recruitment process does not disadvantage any group of the community or prevent them from applying for employment at the Council.. Review recruitment policy in line with erecruitment project, including reviewing and revising the information provided to applicants. Consider advertising in specialist publications and websites and media. Review to be completed. Applicants will have full information about the Council. Procedure will be legally compliant. Number of applications received will continue to be monitored by gender. December 2007 Human Resources Manager G87. Ensure that the Council employs a workforce which is representative of the community. Take steps to ensure that the Council meets BVPI targets for employing women. A representative workforce will be employed. BVPI targets will be met. December 2008 Human Resources Manager Gender of staff members will continue to be monitored. G88. To provide fair and transparent pay systems. Periodically carry out an equal pay audit. The causes of any gender pay gap will be identified. Every 3 years Human Resources Manager

10 90 Ref Objective Action Outcome/monitoring information and targets G89. To provide fair and The action plan will be transparent pay systems. developed. Develop and implement an equal pay action plan to address the causes of any gender pay gap. The action plan will be implemented and the causes of any gender pay gap addressed. Delivery of actions will be monitored. Date for Completion June 2007 March 2008 Implemented by Human Resources Manager G90. To provide fair and transparent pay systems. Continue to use the Hay Job Evaluation Scheme to evaluate the pay grades of jobs. Jobs will be evaluated consistently and fairly. April 2007-April 2010 Human Resources Manager G91. To provide fair and transparent pay systems. Produce a Pay Policy. A pay policy will be produced. October 2008 Human Resources Manager

11 91 Ref Objective Action Outcome/monitoring information and targets Financial and Property Services Date for Completion Implemented by G92. Improve access to Council buildings and facilities. (1) Include access appraisals in quinquennial property survey programme (2) Access improvements identified will be put in Planned Maintenance Programme. Built environment will be more accessible to families with pushchairs. Monitored through property survey and BVPI targets. April 2007-April Head of Financial and Property Services. Directorate of Services to the Community Leisure Services G93. To promote positive images of diverse communities and ensure that venues are welcoming and accessible to all. Develop inclusive community led exhibitions at the Museum and Art Gallery (including gender groups but not exclusively). Two exhibitions will be provided which are owned by the community and reflect their identity. Annually Museum Manager

12 92 Ref Objective Action Outcome/monitoring information and targets G94. Effectively market the Develop and Audience development Plan will Museum and Library Audience be produced. Service to targeted groups. Development Plan for the Museum and Library. Date for Completion April 2007 Implemented by Museum Development Manager G95. Address inequalities in leisure provision. Target grant support at projects that address inequalities (including gender inequalities, but not exclusively). Three grants per year will be awarded. Annually Leisure Development and Projects Manager G96. Promote active, healthy and inclusive communities Promote informal participatory leisure activities. Revised leisure guide will be published. April 2007-April 2010 Leisure Client Officer Environment and Street Scene G97. Ensure the consistent investigation and application of environmental health requirements. Review and update the existing enforcement policies. A new enforcement policy that provides a framework for the consistent use of enforcement powers. September 2007 Head of Environment and Street Scene

13 93 Ref Objective Action Outcome/monitoring information and targets G98. Ensure the needs of Maintain an The continuous improvement of bereaved families continue understanding of the the services available for to be meet through the needs of local people bereaved families. provision of services at the through a dialogue Council s crematorium and with funeral directors, cemetery. clergy, faith leaders, and bereaved families. Date for Completion On-going from January 2007 Implemented by Head of Environment and Street Scene and Registrar G99. Contribute to the safety of the pedestrian environment by maintaining current provision of street lighting provided by Borough Council. Street lighting will be inspected regularly, and reports of faults will be investigated appropriately. Regular inspections will take place and faults will be repaired satisfactorily. April 2007-April 2010 Head of Environment and Street Scene G100. Facilitate the provision of publicly accessible toilets and baby changing facilities. Housing Services Undertake a review of the number and adequacy of facilities. Review will be complete and further actions identified, if necessary. September 2007 Head of Environment and Street Scene G101. Ensure women on low incomes have access to housing advice and assistance. Promote rent deposit scheme and housing benefits through housing advice service. Awareness of housing services will be improved. Take-up of services will be monitored by gender. Ongoing Housing Needs Manager

14 94 Ref Objective Action Outcome/monitoring information and targets Revenues and Benefits Date for Completion Implemented by G102. Increase awareness and accessibility of Revenues and Benefits Services. Be an active partner in the Kent Benefits and Training Partnership. Awareness of entitlement to benefits across all groups will be improved. Take-up of benefits will be monitored. April 2007-April 2010 March 2008 Head of Revenues and Benefits, Kent Benefits and Training Partners. Directorate of Planning and Development Community and Corporate Planning (see also Community Plan actions) G103. Support victims of domestic violence through partnership working. Deliver the Community Safety Partnership Action Plan to improve responses and interventions related to domestic violence. Repeat victimisation will be reduced. Deliver and monitor the outcomes as detailed in the Community Safety Action Plan. BVPI 225 will achieve 82% success rate. March 2009 March 2008 Community Safety Co-ordinator and members of the Community Safety Partnership BVPI 225 will achieve 91% success rate. March 2009

15 95 Ref Objective Action Outcome/monitoring information and targets G104. Reduce the fear of crime. Deliver the Contribute to a 10% reduction in Community Safety fear of crime across Kent. Partnership Action plans relating to antisocial behaviour, Delivery and monitoring of the children and young outcomes as detailed in the people, drugs and Community Safety Action Plan. alcohol, priority neighbourhoods, the rural area and the town centre. Date for Completion March 2008 Implemented by Community Safety Co-ordinator and members of the Community Safety Partnership G105. Support vulnerable members of the sexual diversity community. Provision of a Homophobic Incident Reporting Line. Active officer representation on the West Kent Sexual Diversity Advisory Group by Council Officer. Contribute to a 10% reduction in fear of crime across Kent. Information will be followed up and actions taken as appropriate. Percentage of Council officer attendance at meetings will be monitored. April 2007 April 2010 Community and Corporate Planning Team, Kent Districts, Shepway Lifeline

16 96 Ref Objective Action Outcome/monitoring information and targets G106. Provide easier access to Work with KCC and Women and men are aware of information and support for the the facilities and support parents and the community/voluntary available to them. community sector to promote support currently available. Date for Completion April 2010 Implemented by Head of Community & Corporate Planning G107. Ensure women have the opportunity to become involved in and are supported by community and voluntary projects.. Ensure women have active involvement in community projects. Continued involvement of women in the TN2 Trust in Sherwood. Women are supported in taking an active role in decision-making on community projects. April 2008 Head of Community & Corporate Planning Review Council grant scheme for projects aimed at supporting women. Monitor number/amount of grants awarded.

17 97 Ref Objective Action Outcome/monitoring information and targets Planning Services Date for Completion Implemented by G108. Ensure that all people are able to fully access service functions and processes, in a way that is appropriate to their needs. Review and update the Statement of Community Involvement. Access to service functions and processes will be increased. The Statement of Community Involvement will embrace relevant equality and diversity issues. Annually Policy Team Leader and Area Team Leader Use of service functions and processes will be monitored. G109. Raise awareness of inclusive and accessible design issues within the Planning Service and with external customers. Establish working group to prepare advisory leaflet on access issues, to be included in application packs. Working group will be set up / advisory leaflet produced. July 2007 Area Team Leaders / Building Control / Access Officer Arrange training for planning officers on accessible environments and inclusive design. Training sessions will be arranged / Officers will receive training. April 2007-April 2010 Annually Area Team Leader

18 98 Ref Objective Action Outcome/monitoring information and targets Ensure Planning Accessible design for families Agents Group with pushchairs will be promoted meetings / seminars address inclusive design and accessibility. Date for Completion Implemented by Area Team Leader G110. Incorporate inclusive and accessible design issues into planning guidance. Review existing literature and ensure any new Council information / guidance makes reference, where relevant, to inclusive and accessible design issues. Literature will be reviewed and amended where necessary.. April 2008 Policy Team Leader and Area Team Leader Consider feasibility of developing Supplementary Planning Document on Inclusive and Accessible Design. Feasibility study will be undertaken. April 2009 Policy Team Leader

19 99 Actions from the Sustainable Community Plan for Tunbridge Wells Borough Tunbridge Wells Borough Council will also be seeking to promote gender equality through its contribution to the Sustainable Community Plan. Actions contained in the Community Plan document Enhancing the Quality of Life for All that are relevant to promoting gender equality are detailed below. These actions will be monitored and reported on separately from the Council s Gender Equality Action Plan. Action Outcome Timescale Lead organisation Develop and implement To encourage more Tunbridge an action plan to enhance people to be more Wells local enterprise entrepreneurial and Borough development and learn about business Council entrepreneurial initiatives start-up in schools/colleges/ community Deliver enterprise and start-up training courses to young people, BME, women, and those living in deprived areas Partner organisations Schools, colleges, KCC, West Kent Partnership Skills Group, Learning and Skills Council, EAWK Monitoring information and targets Develop two enterprise and business start-up training courses by 2008 Number of people in each category receiving enterprise and start-up training Delivery of support for victims of domestic abuse via Freedom Programme Reduction in repeat victimisation Tunbridge Wells Community Safety Partnership SW/Kent PCT, Domestic Abuse Forum, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, West Kent Police, Voluntary Under 33% repeat victimisation within 12 months Three Freedom programmes funded and delivered per annum

20 100 Action Outcome Timescale Lead organisation Provide a drugs and alcohol outreach service to difficult-to-contact groups (eg street drinkers, homeless people, and women) A reduction in the harmful use of alcohol and other drugs by offering weekly clinics to people with problems of addiction in their family, located in areas accessible to the target populations Ongoing Kenward Trust Partner organisations Organisations, RSLs, KCC All Tunbridge Wells Community Safety Partnership partners, West Kent Health, KCA, Police, Probation, Youth Offending Service, Social Services, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, Kent Drug & Alcohol Action Team, GPs Monitoring information and targets Monitoring through biannual meetings of DA sub-group Number of contacts made per quarter Access to breast-feeding support Breast-feeding clinic and support network in Children s Centre Sherwood 2007 West Kent Primary Care Trust MTW, National Childbirth Trust, Baptist Church Attendance rates at clinic Increasing length of breast-feeding Provide more affordable, quality childcare based around schools Increased number of parents able to access childcare 2010 Early Years & Childcare Health, CFE, Clusters Increased links with The Childminding Association and rural schools Increase in the number

21 101 Action Outcome Timescale Lead organisation Provide easier access to information and support for parents and the community Increased number of agencies providing better help to staff, parents and the community to address children s wider needs 2010 KCC Children, Families and Education (CFE) Partner organisations Health, Police, Social Services, TWBC, voluntary organisations, KCC Youth & Community Monitoring information and targets of schools working in partnership with other agencies to provide affordable childcare for more parents Number of schools involved in Extended Schools Number of schools providing information Community Schools Development Manager Audit 2008 Increase number of Family Liaison Officers (from 4-7) appointed by the Clusters

22 102 Appendix B Draft Comprehensive Equality Scheme Age Equality

23 103 Age Equality Legal responsibilities Under the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations (2006) discrimination, harassment and victimisation on the grounds of age is unlawful in employment, and vocational training. Although the legislation does not apply to the provision of goods, facilities and services or place a general duty on the Council, we will: eliminate discrimination and harassment on the grounds of age promote equality of opportunity for, and good relations between, people of all age ranges. As an employer, the Council will monitor, with reference to the age of its staff those who: are currently employed by the Council; apply for employment, training and promotion; receive training; benefit or suffer detriment as a result of the Council s performance assessment procedures; are involved in the Council s grievance procedures; are the subject of disciplinary procedures; and cease employment with the Council The Council already has employment monitoring arrangements in place relating to its race equality duties and will continue to publish annual reports to Cabinet which will be available on the Council s website ( and in other formats on request. Age in the borough Age Group Borough % Kent % England % (total population: 104,030) and over (Source: Census 2001) Although statistics are available indicating the number of people in the borough across the age groups, we do not have detailed information on their experiences of the services that the Council provides.

24 104 For the Borough-wide Survey conducted in 2005, we attempted to gain a better understanding of the views and experiences of young residents, in relation to a range of local issues and services. Of the 1,346 interviews carried out, 130 (9.7%) were with people aged years old. The survey focused on general awareness, use and satisfaction levels with various Council services (rather than identifying the specific problems that young people faced). The findings from the survey indicated that young people are: more likely to be in full-time education less likely to have a long-term illness, health problem or disability more likely to have lived in Tunbridge Wells all their lives less likely to read/watch/listen to most of the specified media less likely to use most Council services than older people more likely to find transport, education opportunities and leisure opportunities more important than older people Involving people of all ages Over the past few years the Council has made progress in consulting and involving people of all ages in the development of various plans and strategies. Groups and organisations have taken an active part in the Council s Stakeholder Conferences and contributed to the development of the borough s Community Plan through the Community Development Forum and Youth Council. In developing this Age Equality Scheme and action plan, we have: received views from local groups and organisations on the priorities we should adopt for promoting age equality publicised the scheme on the Council s website received views from our staff on the priorities we should adopt for promoting age equality Our vision for age equality Our vision for age equality in Tunbridge Wells borough is that: everyone should expect to have an opportunity to lead a fulfilling life, free from discrimination and harassment, regardless of their age long-lasting changes that meet the needs, and improve the quality of lives, of people of all ages barriers to social inclusion are removed people of all ages experience equality of opportunity when applying for employment and working for the Council all services delivered by us, and on our behalf, are appropriate and relevant to the needs of people of all ages

25 105 Priorities for the next three years We have produced an action plan that shows what each of the Council s services intends to do to eliminate discrimination and promote age equality over the next three years. We will also be working, with partners where appropriate, to achieve the following priorities: actively promote the involvement of local communities in the further development of this scheme gather more evidence to gain a better understanding of the needs of different age groups in the community increase awareness and use of Council services where age-groups are under-represented The Council s performance in certain areas is monitored nationally through Best Value Performance Indicators (BVPIs), set by government. Over the next three years we will aim to: improve our level against the Equality Standard for Local Government reduce the percentage of early retirements (excluding ill-health requirements) as a percentage of the total workforce

26 106 Age Equality Action Plan Ref Objective Action Outcome/monitoring information and targets Directorate of Change and Business Support Customer Access and Business Transformation Date for Completion Implemented by A112 Ensure that reception areas are accessible and provide comfortable and confidential surroundings. Accommodation review will identify access improvement programme. Reception areas will be renovated August 2007 Head of Customer Access and Business Transformation. A113 Ensure that services are delivered equitably. Update guidance and information on equality issues in the customer service handbook. Staff will be aware of their customer service responsibilities in relation to equality issues. August 2007 Customer Service Manager Legal and Democratic Services A114 Ensure that internal clients within Council Services are aware of and comply with all relevant equalities legislation. Create checklists and toolkits which include guidance on legislation on relevant equalities legislation. Lawful actions will be taken by Council Services. July 2007 Principal Solicitor

27 107 Ref Objective Action Outcome/monitoring information and targets A115 Ensure/promote public Buildings and processes will access to ballot box. comply with best practice. Review buildings used consider alternative arrangements where deficiencies are identified. Buildings and processes will be audited. Date for Completion August 2007 Implemented by Democratic Services Manager Review processes and revise if required. Deficiencies and alternatives will be identified. A116 Encourage a diverse range of people to become Councillors. Hold informal information events for people to find out about becoming a Councillor. Promote the events towards targeted communities by attending meetings of representative organisations/groups and advertising in specialist publications and media. The Councillors reflect the diversity of the community they serve and act as role models for other individuals who want to become Councillors. Annually (February/March) Head of Legal, HR and Democratic Services

28 108 Ref Objective Action Outcome/monitoring information and targets Human Resources Date for Completion Implemented by A117 Ensure the recruitment process does not disadvantage any group of the community or prevent them from applying for employment at the Council.. Review recruitment policy in line with erecruitment project, including reviewing and revising the information provided to applicants. Consider advertising in specialist publications and websites and media. Review to be completed. Applicants will have full information about the Council. Procedure will be legally compliant. Number of applications received will be monitored by age. December 2007 Human Resources Manager A118 Ensure that the Council employs a workforce which is representative of the community. Financial and Property Services Take steps to ensure the Council employs people across all age ranges. A representative workforce will be employed. Age of staff members will continue to be monitored. December 2008 Human Resources Manager A119 Increase uptake and flexibility of concessionary travel scheme. Increase awareness of scheme through promotion / advertising. Develop a policy for considering discretionary cases. All customers will be aware of and able to make use of concessionary travel scheme. Monitor number using scheme. Report will be produced. March 2008 Acting Chief Accountant.

29 109 Ref Objective Action Outcome/monitoring information and targets A120 Improve accessibility and flexibility of payment options. Investigate the production of payment cards for use at pay point and pay zone networks. Directorate of Services to the Community Leisure Services All customers will be able to pay their bills conveniently and on time through cost effective methods. Date for Completion April 2007 Implemented by Acting Chief Accountant A121 Ensure the Assembly Hall programme has wide ranging appeal and is open and welcoming to all. Promote a programme which is attractive to a wide range of ages. Programme will be promoted and will be in line with Business Plan targets. April 2007-April 2010 Assembly Hall Theatre Manager A122 A123 To promote positive images of diverse communities and ensure that venues are welcoming and accessible to all. Effectively market the Museum and Library Service to targeted groups. Develop inclusive community led exhibitions at the Museum and Art Gallery (including different age groups but not exclusively). Develop and Audience Development Plan for the Museum and Library. Two exhibitions will be provided which are owned by the community and reflect their identity. Audience development Plan will be produced. Annually April 2007 Museum Manager Museum Development Manager

30 110 Ref Objective Action Outcome/monitoring information and targets A124 Address inequalities in Target grant support at Three grants per year will be leisure provision. projects that address awarded. inequalities (including age inequalities, but not exclusively). Date for Completion Annually Implemented by Leisure Development and Projects Manager A125 Promote active, healthy and inclusive communities. Promote informal participatory leisure activities. Revised leisure guide will be published. April 2007-April 2010 Leisure Client Officer A126 Provide healthy opportunities for the 60 plus age group. Continue programme of activities aimed at the 60 plus age group, the Breath Easy and Parkinsons Groups, cardiac Rehab and GP referral at Tunbridge Wells Sports and Indoor Tennis Centre. Programme continues to be delivered. April 2007-April 2010 TW Sports and Indoor Tennis Centre Manager

31 111 Ref Objective Action Outcome/monitoring information and targets A127 To promote and raise Awareness will be raised. awareness of leisure activities within particular age groups. A128 Ensure the Museum and Library Service has wide ranging appeal and is open and welcoming to all age groups. As part of the Leisure Strategy, bring together voluntary, commercial and Council-run leisure organisations and schools to offer a Go and Try incentive scheme for a limited period to adults and young people. Develop The Project to achieve an improved museum and library service at Tunbridge Wells Museum and Art Gallery and Tunbridge Wells Library. As part of Leisure Strategy, apply for Heritage Lottery Funding (HLF) to include provision of physical and intellectual access for all users and based on community participation and development. More adults and young people will participate in leisure activities. Participation will be monitored. New facilities and services provided (dependent on result of HLF application). More young people will visit the Museum and Library visitors monitored. Date for Completion April 2010 March 2010 Implemented by Leisure Development and Projects Manager Museum Manager

32 112 Ref Objective Action Outcome/monitoring information and targets A129 Ensure leisure Implement actions The needs of older people will activities meet the identified in the Leisure be met. needs of older people. Strategy. Progress against actions in the Leisure Strategy will be monitored. Environment and Street Scene Date for Completion As part of Leisure Strategy Implemented by Head of Leisure Services A130 Ensure the consistent investigation and application of environmental health requirements. Review and update the existing enforcement policies. A new enforcement policy that provides a framework for the consistent use of enforcement powers. September 2007 Head of Environment and Street Scene A131 Ensure the needs of bereaved families continue to be meet through the provision of services at the Council s crematorium and cemetery. Maintain an understanding of the needs of local people through a dialogue with funeral directors, clergy, faith leaders and bereaved families. The continuous improvement of the services available for bereaved families On-going from January 2007 Head of Environment and Street Scene and Registrar

33 113 Ref Objective Action Outcome/monitoring information and targets Housing Services Date for Completion Implemented by A132 Support the independence of young people and older people through housing support and related activities. Meet the targets set out in the Housing Strategy. Improvements to the way the Council meets the housing needs of young people and older people. Monitor against Housing Strategy Action Plans April 2010 Housing Needs Manager Revenues and Benefits A133 Increase awareness and accessibility of Revenues and Benefits Services. Be an active partner in the Kent Benefits and Training Partnership Awareness of entitlement to benefits across all groups will be improved. Take-up of benefits will be monitored. April 2007-April 2010 Head of Revenues and Benefits, Kent Benefits and Training Partners. A134 Increase awareness and accessibility of Revenues and Benefits Services. Be an active member on the Older Persons Consortium. Issues affecting different age groups will be identified and further actions developed as appropriate. March 2008 Head of Revenues and Benefits.

34 114 Ref Objective Action Outcome/monitoring information and targets A135 Ensure older people are able to access the benefits service. Work jointly with the Pension Service and other agencies to find ways of ensuring older people are able to access benefits services. Consider feasibility of using a bus to provide access to shared services locally. Access to benefits services for older people will be improved. Feasibility study completed and further actions identified, if appropriate. Date for Completion September 2008 Implemented by Head of Revenues and Benefits. A136 To gather more information about people s experience of the service. Review the findings of the Benefits Customer Satisfaction Survey. Results will be reviewed and analysed with reference to equality issues. Report will be produced and actions identified, if appropriate. September 2008 Head of Revenues & Benefits

35 115 Ref Objective Action Outcome/monitoring information and targets Directorate of Planning and Development Community and Corporate Planning (see also Community Plan actions) Date for Completion Implemented by A137 Reduce the fear of crime Deliver the Community Safety Partnership Action plans relating to anti-social behaviour, children and young people, drugs and alcohol, priority neighbourhoods, the rural area and the town centre. Contribute to a 10% reduction in fear of crime across Kent. Delivery and monitoring of the outcomes as detailed in the Community Safety Action Plan. December 2008 Community Safety Co-ordinator and members of the Community Safety Partnership A138 Address issues identified by children and young people. Develop and deliver a Youth Strategy, with the involvement of young people. Youth Strategy will be developed and implemented. The needs identified by children and young people will be met. TBC TBC

36 116 Ref Objective Action Outcome/monitoring information and targets Economic Development Date for Completion Implemented by A139 Ensure the Tourist Information Service has wide ranging appeal and is open and welcoming to all age groups. Planning Services Consider offering additional Council Services to young people, as part of the development of the Tourist Information Centre Business Plan. Additional services will be identified and included in the Tourist Information Centre Business Plan. April 2008 Tourism Manager A140 Ensure all people are able to fully access service functions and processes, in a way that is appropriate to their needs. Review and update the Statement of Community Involvement. Access to service functions and processes will be increased. The Statement of Community Involvement will embrace relevant equality and diversity issues. Annually Policy Team Leader and Area Team Leader Use of service functions and processes will be monitored.

37 117 Actions from the Sustainable Community Plan for Tunbridge Wells Borough Tunbridge Wells Borough Council will also be seeking to promote age equality through its contribution to the Community Plan. Actions contained in the Community Plan document Enhancing the Quality of Life for All that are relevant to promoting age equality are detailed below. These actions will be monitored and reported on separately from the Council s Age Equality Action Plan. Action Outcome Timescale Lead organisation Develop and implement an Tunbridge action plan to enhance local Wells Borough enterprise development and Council entrepreneurial initiatives in schools/colleges/ community Deliver enterprise and start-up training courses to young people, BME, women, and those living in deprived areas. Bring together voluntary, commercial and Council-run leisure organisations and schools to offer a Go and Try incentive scheme for a limited period to young people Work with youth clubs, the youth service and artists to give young people To encourage more people to be more entrepreneurial and learn about business startup Young people encouraged to try leisure activities which they might not otherwise have considered trying Increased opportunities for young people to March 2009 March 2008 Tunbridge Wells Borough Council West Kent Arts Partnership Partner organisations Schools, colleges, KCC, West Kent Partnership Skills Group, Learning and Skills Council, EAWK Commercial providers Sports clubs Arts organisations Leisure trusts Local media Kent County Council Education Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, Sevenoaks District Monitoring information and targets Develop two enterprise and business start-up training courses by 2008 Number of people in each category receiving enterprise and start-up training Achieve three positive press stories, and 100 new attendances at leisure activities Ten arts workshops by March 2007

38 118 Action Outcome Timescale Lead organisation opportunities to try out different participate in arts activities arts activities Encourage participation by children and young people in youth, cultural and community initiatives through: delivering workshops for schools linked to shows at the Assembly Hall Theatre contributing to Kent and Medway Museums Partnership Inside Out project for young people in Kent Children and young people encouraged to participate in theatre and cultural activities March 2007 Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Partner organisations Council, Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, Maidstone Borough Council, Kent County Council, Connexions, artists, Blingin Schools Monitoring information and targets 100 young people participating in arts workshops 40 workshops to be delivered Improve provision of play and recreation facilities in Royal Tunbridge Wells and the parishes, as identified in the Local Plan Review and the Playing Pitch Strategy Children and young people encouraged to participate in community activities March 2007 Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Local community, Rusthall Village Association, The Zone Rusthall Community and Youth Project, Neighbourhood Equipped Area of Play scheme commenced at St John s Recreation Ground Outline design for

39 119 Action Outcome Timescale Lead organisation Partner organisations Tunbridge Wells Day Services, Town and Parish Councils Monitoring information and targets Neighbourhood Equipped Areas of Play and new pitches at Rusthall developed Increase funds available for local leisure activities by supporting and advising local groups in making bids and fund-raising Increase the confidence of volunteers to run sports activities by providing annual best practice training Improved and increased leisure opportunities and activities A high standard of practice for local sports organisations March 2008 March 2007 Voluntary Action West Kent Kent Sports Development Unit Sports Clubs Forum, Arts Forum, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, KCC Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, Sports Club Forum, Sports Coach UK Outline design for new pitches at Hawkenbury developed Four successful funding applications by voluntary groups Two training courses per year Make better use of existing opportunities to market leisure activities in the borough Bring together voluntary, commercial and Council-run Increased awareness of existing leisure opportunities and new initiatives Increased levels of participation March 2008 March 2009 Courier Newspaper Tunbridge Wells Borough Sports Club Forum, Leisure Forum, Arts Forum, KCC Commercial providers, Increase visits to Courier leisure listings Achieve three positive press stories, and 100 new

40 120 Action Outcome Timescale Lead organisation leisure organisations to offer a in existing Council Go and Try incentive scheme activities for a limited period to adults Increase the number of sports clubs who achieve the nationally-recognised Clubmark accreditation Initiate a healthy walks project targeted at older people Targeted work with young people at risk of offending (Power Project) Increased number of wellrun clubs, providing good quality coaching and competitive opportunities Participants are more physically active Reduction in number of young people entering the criminal justice system Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Tunbridge Wells Community Safety Partnership: Power Project Steering Group Partner organisations sports clubs, arts organisations, leisure trusts, local media Sports Club Forum, Kent Sports Development Unit Kent County Council KCC, Youth Offending Service, Education, Youth and Community, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, West Kent Police, voluntary youth organisations Monitoring information and targets attendances at leisure activities Three newly accredited clubs per year Number of people participating Increase in activity levels 5% reduction in new entrants into the Criminal Justice System Minimum 50 assessments resulting in 40 action plans per annum Monitoring through Steering Group Provision of support for identified vulnerable young people particularly in Reduced risk behaviour by young people Kent County Council Education Kent Safe Schools, KCC, West Kent Police, Tunbridge Schools in disadvantaged neighbourhoods achieving attendance targets,

41 121 Action Outcome Timescale Lead organisation neighbourhoods identified as a priority through the Community Safety Audit and by partners Seek to secure the provision of supported housing (including sheltered and extra care sheltered housing, housing suitable for people with physical and/or learning disabilities or mental illness, young people aged 16/17, people recovering from substance misuse and exoffenders) where there is an identified need Further develop services to assist older and disabled households to remain in their homes, including: increased funding for disabled adaptations home repairs/improvements and, affordable warmth measures through a Increased supply of supported housing Older and disabled households able to remain in their homes in more cases/longer than as at present Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Partner organisations Wells Borough Council KCC Adult Services, Kent Supporting People Team, RSLs, The Housing Corporation KCC Social Services OT Bureau, Kent Supporting People Team, In touch Home Improvement Agency, Health Primary Care Trusts, GPs, Monitoring information and targets minimum 48 young people supported by Safe Schools in six schools per annum Monitoring through quarterly monitoring by TWCSP To be monitored by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and reported to Borough Housing Partnership At least one new supported housing scheme provided within the period for each identified need group To be monitored by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and reported to Borough Housing Partnership Additional 50 clients per annum assisted to remain in their own homes