WORKING TOGETHER FOR EQUALITY FOR ALL:

Transcription

1 WORKING TOGETHER FOR EQUALITY FOR ALL: REPORT ON IMPLEMENTING OUR POLICIES 2006 SUMMARIES OF: 1. LAST YEAR WE SAID WE WOULD Report on what we have achieved 2. THIS YEAR WE WILL Equalities & Community Cohesion Improvement Plan RACE EQUALITY 'RISK ASSESSMENTS'

2 ARE WE ACCESSIBLE TO YOU? IF NOT - ASK US! We want everyone to be able to understand us. We want everyone to be able to read our written materials. We aim to provide what you need for you to read, talk, and write to us. On request we will provide free - Language interpreters, including for sign language. Translations of written materials into other languages. Materials in braille, large print, on tape, in Easy Read. Please contact us: General enquiries Fax General enquiries mobile text phone Housing enquiries Leisure enquiries Environmental enquiries Planning enquiries Or - eoinfo@chesterfield.gov.uk 1

3 WHAT DO YOU THINK? We would like your views and comments on these documents. There is a short questionnaire at the end that you can fill in and return to us or you can write to or us (see previous page or below). If you would like this document in another format or language please contact us. See previous page or below for how to contact us. Contacting the Equalities Officer: eoinfo@chesterfield.gov.uk Tel Fax Mobile SMS

4 CONTENTS Page Introduction 4 Last Year We Said We Would 5 Report on what we have achieved from the Equalities and Community Cohesion Improvement Plan This Year We Will 29 Equalities and Community Cohesion Improvement Plan Including Race and Disability Equality Schemes Objectives Race Equality 'Risk Assessments' 40 Feedback Questionnaire 54 3

5 WORKING TOGETHER FOR EQUALITY FOR ALL Implementing Our Policies - Summary Documents Introduction: The Council's vision includes the aim that everyone should enjoy living, visiting and working in Chesterfield. This is underpinned by a commitment to community and equality - to tackling poverty, discrimination and exclusion. We believe equality and social justice are important for all our communities, bringing economic and social benefits to our town. We welcome the opportunity to live, work and learn with people from different cultures and countries, with different religions, languages and lifestyles. We respect our diverse communities, recognising the valuable contributions that they make to life in Chesterfield. As part of our legal duties, and our good practice, we need to publish and make widely available a Council wide equalities improvement plan and other reports. Our Equalities improvement Plan includes our 'community cohesion' objectives and actions. Community cohesion is about building united local communities which respect and value each other's differences. Chesterfield Borough Council has always supported 'equalities for all' recognising that racism and other forms of discrimination divide and damage our communities. Please note that these documents are only summaries of much longer and more detailed plans. Copies of the full documents are freely available - please contact the Equalities Officer, who is also happy to answer any queries or questions you may have about the documents. We welcome comments and feedback - please use the form at the end of this document. Cllr. Mark Higginbottom, Deputy Leader July,

6 1. LAST YEAR WE SAID WE WOULD Report on what we have achieved from the Equalities and Community Cohesion Improvement Plan: Last year we said would take the following action on equalities and community cohesion. We can now report on what we have done and what we have achieved - and what we haven't done and why not. This report is based on the summary of the Council's Equalities and Community Cohesion Improvement Plan This was circulated publicly last year. Copies of the full document and of our revised Equalities and Community Cohesion Improvement Plan for coming year (2006-7) are available from the Equalities Officer (contact details on previous page). These documents include our Race Equality Scheme Objectives and forthcoming work to develop our Disability Equality Scheme. Next year we will be reporting on our work to develop a Gender Equality Scheme. Please do not hesitate to ask us questions you may have or to make any criticisms or suggestions - we welcome them all! 5

7 CONTENTS: PAGE Corporate Equality Services 7 Human Resources 12 Chief Executives Unit 15 Housing Services 17 Environmental Services 20 Leisure Services 22 Revenue Services 24 Economic Promotion 25 Planning Services 26 Design Services 26 Accountancy & Audit Services 27 Legal, Scrutiny, Democratic & Monitoring Officer Services 27 6

8 Corporate Equality Services 1. Promote equalities and community cohesion, including the Race Relations Act general duty of promoting race equality by: A. Presentations to Community Forums, Tenants and Residents Associations, community groups and other agencies: Presentations made to: Inkersall Den Support Committee Holly's Inkersall Hollingwood Elders Chesterfield Market Traders Hasland Playhouse Grangewood Tenants and Residents Assoc. Brimington Tenants and Residents Assoc. Chesterfield Canal Trust B. Production and circulation of relevant materials: Continued distribution of 'challenging racism', 'domestic abuse - there is no excuse' and 'equality=respect' drink mats and leaflets. Also new equalities policy circulated. C. Issuing press releases and articles Not achieved D. Continued promotion of 'Equality=Respect' campaign promoting communities working together: Community event held at African Caribbean Centre October ; feedback very positive. E. Promoting equalities and community cohesion with partnership organisations (police, Primary Care Trust, Education etc.): Working with police, education & other agencies in the Racial Harassment Consultative Group; working with the Local Strategic Partnership - agreed equality & community cohesion actions including training; meeting with PCT Marketing Officer & agreed support for equality actions. F. Ensure the Chesterfield Festival is multi-cultural & accessible. Festival Committee undertook to achieve. 7

9 2. Reaching 'harder to reach' groups by: Implementing the Comprehensive Performance Assessment Harder to Reach action plan. 6 out of 10 actions implemented; 1 action found not to be appropriate; 3 actions deferred pending review of Council's public relations function. 3. Improve consultation with Black and ethnic minority people by: Continued investigation of options. Invested in informal personal contact. 4. Continue to attempt joint working with the business community by: Formal approach to Chamber of Commerce. No response. 5. Ensure communications and information are accessible by: A. Monitoring web site equalities section; No accessibility complaints and feedback positive. B. Having access statement on all public documents; Statement on all documents. C. Interpreters, translations, provision of materials in other formats are provided as requested. Accessible materials provided and no complaints. 6. Improve understanding and increase knowledge of Council's Equalties and Community Cohesion policies by employees & Councillors by: 1. Provision of training & briefings; Many older staff attending Equalities Induction Training (not just new employees); briefings provided on new disability equality duties. 2. Evaluate employee awareness by using the employee survey. Awareness/satisfaction slightly down this year, but low return and satisfaction down across majority of areas. 8

10 7. Promote equalities and community cohesion in the media by: A. Work in partnership with local media. See below B. Engage local media with positive stories. See below C. Investigate how coverage in the Council newspaper could be developed. All deferred pending review of public relations. New marketing team including Equalities Officer now established, which will assist with this. 8. Continued implementation of the Local Government Equality Standard by: Undertaking required the work for the different levels of the Standard. Retained Level Ensuring there is support for employees who may experience discrimination by Investigating whether Black and ethnic minority and disabled employees would find a workers group useful. Not achieved 05-06, but dates for meetings set for June Ensuring there is continuous improvement in disability access by: A. Continue to improve achievements in Best Value Performance Indicator 156 on the accessibility of the Council's public Buildings; Improved from 62% in to 68% in (Council's public buildings accessible to disabled people). B. Liaising with local disabled people's groups; Equalities Officer has rolling programme of meeting and discussing with all local disability groups. C. Implementing Disability Discrimination Act adaptations. Last year the Council spent 40,000 on implementing prioritised improvements based on access audits and feedback from local disabled people. 9

11 11. Tackling Hate Crime by: A. Encouraging incident reporting and ensuring all incidents reported investigated; 'What you can expect from us' harassment reporting leaflets widely distributed and translated. Housing Services provides additional material, which is also available in other languages and formats. Liasion with BME groups encourages reporting even of comparatively 'minor' incidents. All incidents reported to the Council are investigated. B. Participating in the local Racial Harassment Consultative Group, the Domestic Abuse Action Group and the Anti-Social Behaviour Task of the Community Safety Partnership; All meetings attended by Council representatives and issues raised incorporated into Council's practice. C. Continue to promote the 'Challenging Racism' campaign. Drink mats and other publicity continue to be circulated and 'Challenging Racism' is a major feature of Equality=Respect events. 12. Ensure there is corporate equalities co-ordination and ownership with services mainstreaming equalities through -out their work by: Consolidation of the Equalities Development Group. EQDG now in its 3 rd year and attendance continues to be good including Councillors, officers and trade unions. Recent significant improvements in services eg. Housing. 13. Ensure that the Council's Race Equality Scheme is legally compliant by: A. Implementing Equality Impact Assessments for existing and proposed policies; Briefings held for relevant staff and all Year 2 (Medium Relevance) Race Equality Impact Assessments of existing policies completed. Directors and Service Heads briefed on Assessments for proposed policies. 10

12 B. Implementing service monitoring; Reports received from Housing and Planning Services; Human Resources and Environmental and Leisure Services reports nearing completion. C. Undertaking consultation; Services undertake their own consultation as appropriate and there is ongoing corporate engagement and discussion. D. Implementing equalities in procurement work; Equalities incorporated into tenders and specifications as is appropriate. Briefings held for private companies and equalities training made available. E. Raising race equality issues in partnership working; Race equality issues raised in all partnerships especially Local Strategic Partnership which is undertaking training as a result and supporting 'Equality=Respect' event. F. Ensuring Council information is accessible. Widespread circulation of accessible information policy and translations and interpreters used as appropriate. 11

13 Human Resources 1. Ensure Race Relations Amendment Act compliance by: A. Implementing results of high relevance Race Equality Impact Assessments: Recruitment and Selection: First employee monitoring report since new introduction IT system to be published July 2006 Using 'Jobs Go Public' web-site which is directly linked to wide range of BME web-sites Moratorium on vacancies has prevented further positive action being taken. Training and Development: No improvements identified. Employee Performance and Development Reviews: No negative feedback from any particular group However, one third approx. of employees still not receiving EPDs. B. Undertaking medium relevance Equality Impact Assessments: Not yet complete. C. Undertaking low relevance Equality Impact Assessments: For completion by March D. Undertaking impact assessments of any proposed policies: None undertaken. E. Implementing equalities in procurement and contracts: Only one contract - for OH and equalities included in specification. F. Seeking agreement for joint equality objectives and targets with Partnerships: One partnership - for OH - see above. 2. Ensure all managers competent in equalities by: Developing management equality competencies: Included in senior manager EPDs and in the Leadership Development Programme with target date of May

14 3. Ensure all revised HR policies equality 'proofed' by: A. Equalities included in all policy revisions as appropriate: Achieved. B. Revise Recruitment and & Selection policy and procedure with particular focus on under-represented groups: Currently being revised. 4. Ensure Staff Handbook reinforces CBC equality ethos by: Updating handbook to include comprehensive equalities policy statement. Revised handbook including equalities to be completed by December Continue work to get a representative workforce by: A. Increasing Black and Ethnic Minority and disabled applicants for jobs at all levels and women applicants for jobs at senior level: First employee monitoring report since new introduction IT system to be published July Using 'Jobs Go Public' web-site which is directly linked to wide range of BME websites. However, moratorium on vacancies has prevented further positive action being taken. B. Continue to investigate and trial different forms of positive action - targeted adverts, web-sites, liaise with community groups. See above. 6. Policy development is informed by communities and employees by: A. Women's, disabled, Black and ethnic minority and other relevant groups are consulted: Feedback from communities has informed policy development. B. Action is taken to tackle equality issues arising from the Employee Survey. Meetings organised for BME and disabled employees. 13

15 7. Provision & analysis of comprehensive workforce monitoring by: Implementation of computerised personnel record system. First employee monitoring report since new introduction IT system to be published July Facilitate flexible working for employees by: Review new flexi-leave scheme after 1year. New time scheme with no core hours has been permanently adopted. 8. Disabled applicants, recruits and employees supported by: A. Reasonable Adjustments implemented as appropriate: All known RAs implemented. B. Good practice for disability related absence being implemented. Implemented as far as aware and following up in disabled employees meeting. 10. Equal pay implemented by: Equal pay reviewing with completion of job evaluation. Proposed grading structure being equality proofed. 14

16 Chief Executive's Unit 1. All Sections ensuring Race Relations Amendment Act compliance: Chief Executive's Unit compliant - see report from Corporate Equalities Service Point Policy Section: A. Public Relations: Function reflects Race Equality Scheme Requirements by implementing the results of the impact Assessment: Access to information statement now included in 'Our Town'. No action yet on obtaining feedback from BME population but all publicity material being reviewed as phase 2 of the Marketing Best Value Review includes the future of 'Our Town'. B. Community Safety: Anti-Social Behaviour and Hate Crime: A range of activities being undertaken on anti-social behaviour Including hate crime (evidenced by Minutes of ASB Task Group). C. Equalities & Community Cohesion: see reports in Corporate Equalities Services section. D. Performance - Function reflects Race Equality Scheme Requirements by implementing the results of the impact Assessment: Summary Best Value Performance Plan printed in Our Town together with Access statement E. Corporate Policy: Council policy & service delivery informed by an objective needs based mechanism for targeting deprivation - using new geography of deprivation provided by Indices of Multiple Deprivation 2004 mechanism: Decision for Healthy Living Centre in Staveley made on the basis of Staveley being high on the Indices of Multiple Deprivation. F. Staveley Neighbourhood Management Project - Implement the Community Cohesion Action Plan. Plan implemented and report being prepared. 15

17 3. Best Value, Quality & Improvement Section: A. Corporate procurement process is equalities compliant by implementation of guidance: Guidance is implemented. B. Best Value process is equalities compliant by Best Value reviews including Equality Improvement Plans: All reviews include EIPs. 4. E-Gov & ICT Services Section: A. Web-site - Maintain accessibility standards Accessibility standards maintained. B. E transactions - Make transactions available electronically Increased from 1517 in to 7111 in % of transactions now available electronically. 5. Elections: A. Implement CRE guidance: Guidance implemented. B. Implement disability access good practice. Good practice implemented accessibility standard maintained. 16

18 Housing Services 1. Ensuring Race Relations Amendment Act compliance: Tenancy Participation Posters and leaflets in Urdu and Cantonese distributed to churches, schools community centres. Careline Members approved purchase of new system. Home Improvement Agency - The membership of the Advisory Committee is being reviewed as a result of expansion (now covers North East Derbyshire and Bolsover), including inviting representation from a disabled persons support group. A representative from the African Caribbean Community Association sits on the Committee. All equality groups contacted explaining the new joint HIA and inviting interest on the Committee. All local ethnic minority support groups were invited to the launch on the 26th. The Chair of ACCA attended, as did 2 representatives from the Chinese community. Presentation given to ACCA on the HIA services. Currently monitor the number of BME households assisted through the HIA: 1st Qtr : 1.7% 2nd Qtr : 2.1% 3rd Qtr : 0.8% No targets developed yet for numbers of BME households assisted or number of ethnic reps on Advisory Committee. As still discussing how these should be set. Anti-Social Behaviour - All complainants visited within 24hrs. Leaflets produced and translated into Urdu and Cantonese Customer satisfaction monitoring not yet implemented, but a model has been produced to assist with monitoring, now in a position to start to implement. Equality Impact Assessments - All completed with some adjustments to the timetable. Proposed Policy Race Equality Impact Assessments - To be completed for review of Allocation Policy and review of Tenant Participation Strategy as these come on line. 17

19 Procurement - All contracts have equality targets in accordance with the Corporate Policy. Partnerships - All partnerships have equality targets in accordance with the Corporate Policy. 2. Have comprehensive picture of different groups use of housing services & any differential impact by: Producing equality monitoring analysis reports in line with Best Value Performance Indicator 164: Monitoring report produced in line with BVPI 164. Data collected and storage has been on an ad hoc basis. Systems have now been put in place to ensure collection and monitoring take place on a regular basis. 3. Tenants and Residents Associations engage with all members of their local communities by: Actively encouraged through the Tenant's Compact to engage with communities & implement their constitutions - this means - supporting anti-discrimination action; treating everybody with respect and courtesy; behaviour compatible with the equalities policies; promoting enthusiasm for diversity. Participation is monitored. Latest monitoring has shown that there are no reps from BME households at the present time. Posters and leaflets designed to encourage participation and translated into community languages have been distributed. As part of the review of the TP structure a BME Forum is being established 4. All customers at same level of satisfaction by: Action to address Black and ethnic minority satisfaction disparity: Satisfaction with Housing Services is monitored annually. In 2005/06 satisfaction with the overall service for non-bme tenants was 88% and for BME tenants 57%. Satisfaction with opportunities for participation for non BME tenants is 69% and for BME tenants 71%. These results were based on a sample of respondents answered the question relating to ethnic origin. Of these 1% stated their ethnic origin as BME. This proportion is consistent with the census which recorded 1.3% as of BME origin. 18

20 5. Tackling perception that all forms of ASB are not responded to with equal firmness & resources by: Disseminating information to tenants & residents that Council takes firm/fair action against all forms ASB; promotes respect for all groups; promotes working together to value all cultures & celebrate differences. Anti Social Behaviour and Racial Harassment Polices have been put into leaflet form and translated into community languages. 6. Benchmark Housing Services' equalities work: Housing Diversity Network health check and review of access to housing. Report from HDN still outstanding but have chased. Own internal assessment carried out in accordance with CRE Code of Practice to prepare improvement plan. As soon as HDN report received Improvement Plan will reflect their comments. 19

21 Environmental Services 1. Ensuring Race Relations Amendment Act compliance: Communicable Diseases Race Equality Impact Assessment results have been implemented - the service has been publicised in the Staveley area, translated advisory material has been developed, use of translator has been arranged where necessary, result of PCT investigation into reaching ethnic minority population is awaited. Health Development Race Equality Impact Assessment results have been implemented - difficulty with obtaining data on groups that benefit from this service because this service has to rely on databases/intelligence of other partners eg. Data Protection Act precludes us from using GP practice records. However, the service can ask GPs to target individuals. Regular work with Staveley Seniors to develop and target individuals for projects. No progress made yet on training pack due to capacity. More resources required to build in house capacity to collect & evaluate evidence and provide equalities leadership for projects but 2 growth bids unsuccessful in Sustainability Race Equality Impact Assessment results have been implemented awareness raising session held with BME Groups. Further Race Equality Impact Assessments of existing policies being undertaken this year. Race Equality Impact Assessment of proposed policy on bulky household waste completed. Procurement - Monitoring of contracts includes equalities requirements. 20

22 2. Have comprehensive picture of different groups use of environmental services and any differential impact by: Monitoring specific services: Advice requests Visits Formal enforcement action Home improvement applications and grants and outcomes Satisfaction surveys Report on Service Requests for 01/04/05 to 31/12/05 produced. Report on visits, notices served and customer satisfaction surveys produced for Food and H&S Services. Evaluation of Senior Safe Event Oct Increase ethnic minority groups' awareness of services by: Improving communications with Black and ethnic minority groups and incorporate material illustrating involvement of BME groups. Four food hygiene inspection reports translated into the recipients first language during 2005/06. Several Health & Safety inspection reports translated into the recipients first language during 2005/06. Delivered Licensing Act seminar in Cantonese to Chesterfield Chinese Association. 21

23 Leisure Services 1. Ensuring Race Relations Amendment Act compliance: Museums Service Race Equality Impact Assessment Received a banner from the Polish ex-servicemen's Association which is on permanent display accompanied by information that explains the origins of Chesterfield's Polish community. Have been in negotiation with MLA East Midlands (Museums, Libraries and Archives Council), about a grant to produce some ethnic diversity materials for loan to schools. This would involve collecting material from ethnic minority groups. However, funding may not be forthcoming. Discussing joint consultation exercise with the Winding Wheel and the Theatre. Pomegrante Theatre Race Equality Impact Assessment Consultation - see point above re. joint exercise with Museum and Winding Wheel. New Leisure Services Marketing Officer to be appointed who will complete Marketing Plan and non-user survey - this will allow more targeted action to reach BME communities. Winding Wheel Centre Race Equality Impact Assessment See above. Bereavement Services Race Equality Impact Assessment Investment in soundproofing of the Chapel at the Crematorium to reduce disturbance of funeral services by waiting mourners, new internal and external signage including Braille. Minimum period for exclusive rights of burial in the Council's cemeteries has been increased from 50 years to up to 100 years to cater for those religious groups who seek additional reassurances regarding non-disturbance of graves. Brimington Cemetery Chapel has been surveyed to establish costs for upgrading for Muslim burial services following a site meeting with Muslim community representatives. A detailed study of Muslim burial customs and practices has been completed. A telephone booking service has been introduced to allow bookings of cremations 24 hours a day. Additional staff have been recruited to enable extended opening hours at the Crematorium after initial training. 22

24 Further Race Equality Impact Assessments of existing policies being undertaken this year. Race Equality Impact Assessment of proposed policies: None required this year. Procurement - Monitoring of contracts includes equalities requirements. 2. Have comprehensive picture of different groups' use of leisure services & any differential impact by: Producing equality monitoring analysis reports. Analytic report produced for Lead Member June copies available from Equalities Officer. 3. Implement leisure & culture objectives of Community Strategy by: Developing inclusive programme & events. Events programme increasingly more inclusive reflecting wider cross sections of audiences. General satisfaction measured but very little exit surveying undertaken. 4. Organise events which promote community cohesion by: 1. Museum - 1 exhibition/event pa that reflects Chesterfield's Diversity: Replaced with 'Tales from India', 60 people attended with good feedback. 2. Arts Development -Rother Ward Music Project; Successful range of events took place. 3. Sports activities promoting inclusion of gypsies. Programme ceased through lack of partnership support and availability of coaches. 4. Queens Park Café activities - Contractor appointed who will meet equality requirements including menu provision. 23

25 Revenues Services 1. Ensuring Race Relations Amendment Act compliance: All required Race Equality Impact Assessments completed - Revised guidelines & advice to rate relief applicants includes race equality implications. Benefit forms include accessibility statement. Recovery calling cards now incorporate accessibility statement in five languages. Further Race Equality Impact Assessments completed in No new policies proposed but Race Equality Impact Assessment will be undertaken as & when required. No new contracts have been let but equalities requirements will be included as and when applicable. 2. Targeting deprivation - Increase benefits take-up in most deprived wards inc. by hard to reach groups by: Targeted take up campaigns. Take up increased, but difficult to assess if it as a direct result of take-up campaigns. Presentation given to Primary Care Trust Minority Steering Group by Benefits Adviser. ACCA have booked a presentation for 15/02/06 and Chinese Association have requested similar talk. Benefit leaflets stocked in Urdu and Chinese as are tapes, videos and DVDs. Considering how to quantify take-up from different groups. 3. Monitoring use of the services by: Claimant satisfaction survey. No groups reporting disproportionate dissatisfaction Complaints monitored for any signs inequality Economic Promotion 24

26 1. Ensuring Race Relations Amendment Act compliance: All required Race Equality Impact Assessments completed. Further Race Equality Impact Assessments to be done in No new policies proposed but Race Equality Impact Assessments will be undertaken as and when required. No new contracts have been let but equalities requirements will be included as and when applicable. Partnerships - with Market Traders - The Equalities Officer has twice addressed meetings on equalities liabilities and importance of behaviour in line with the Council's policies. 2. Improved grants awards framework removes inequitable anomalies - Community groups of people at risk of social exclusion have improved funding opportunities by: Implementing the new framework & publicise its implementation to community groups. Review postponed until financial year. 3. Community cohesion in areas badly affected by economic restructuring by: Provision of business premises & land at Ireland Industrial Estate, Staveley: Small workshop scheme Hi-tech work space scheme Serviced industrial land All schemes completed and 50 employment opportunities created or safeguarded. 4. Disability fire evacuation in Council owned properties improved by: A. Examine Market Hall for possible fire refuge area: B. Provision of further advice to tenants. Unresolved - now being discussed as part of Health and Safety fire risk assessment. Planning Services 25

27 1. Ensuring Race Relations Amendment Act compliance: Race Equality Impact Assessments for Development Management and Building Control completed. No new policies for assessment in Procurement - Programme Officer contract issued using model clauses. 2. Identify any differential use of services by: Producing analysis of service use monitoring. Annual monitoring report on planning applications completed March 06 and no differential use of services identified. 3. Equality for gypsy/traveller communities by: Incorporating new government requirements into policies. DGLG supported criteria based policy on sites in local plan. 4. Designing out hate crime by: Incorporating guidance into Supplementary Planning Guidance on Designing out Crime. Design Out Crime Guidance to be prepared in Design Services 1. Ensuring Race Relations Amendment Act compliance: No High or Medium Relevance Race Equality Impact Assessment - low relevance assessments to be undertaken in Race Equality Impact Assessment of proposed policy on Town Hall security examined retrospectively. Procurement - Monitoring of contracts includes equalities requirements. 2. Improve access to council premises by: See Corporate Equality Services. Improved from 62% in to 68% in (Council's public buildings accessible to disabled people). 26

28 Accountancy & Audit Services 1. Ensuring Race Relations Amendment Act compliance: No High or Medium Relevance Race Equality Impact Assessment - low relevance assessments to be undertaken in No Race Equality Impact Assessment of proposed policies. Procurement - Monitoring of contracts includes equalities requirements. Legal, Scrutiny, Democratic & Monitoring Officer Services 1. Ensuring Race Relations Amendment Act compliance: Medium Relevance Race Equality Impact Assessment completed. No Race Equality Impact Assessments of proposed policies.. Procurement - Monitoring of contracts includes equalities requirements. Partnerships - The Joint Council's Panel has produced a Partnership handbook, which includes evaluation of partnerships' and ongoing monitoring of the implementation of equalities policies as criteria for a partnership. 2. Ensure the review of Community Forums is equalities compliant by: Implementing the Best Value review. The Handbook for CF's was introduced in March 05. It incorporated equalities and was issued to all CF co-optees. One CF has increased its ethnic minority representation by 3 members (Dunston & Moor). 27

29 3. Increase member awareness of equality implications of Members Code by: Further training for Community Forum members and councillors. General training was to be deferred until the government revised the code. But as this seems to be delayed till 2007, there will be having training by Eversheds in summer 06. There has been one allegation of racist abuse (Nov 05). 4. Use international links to develop local community cohesion by: Developing events to promote working together of different communities. Alfie Ndjenge from Namibia attending course at Chesterfield College gave a very successful talk to the Afro-Carribean Assoc. and to Equality=Respect Event. The Mayor was invited to the Chinese New Year celebration in Chesterfield. 28

30 2. THIS YEAR WE WILL Summary of the Equalities and Community Cohesion Improvement Plan including - Race and Disability Equality Scheme Objectives CONTENTS: PAGE Corporate Equality Services 30 Human Resources 32 Chief Executives Unit 33 Housing Services 34 Environmental Services 35 Leisure Services 36 Revenue Services 37 Economic Promotion 38 Planning Services 39 Design Services 39 Accountancy & Audit Services 40 Legal, Scrutiny, Democratic & Monitoring Officer 40 Services 29

31 Corporate Equality Services 1. Promote equalities and community cohesion, including the legal duties to promote race and disability equality by: A. Presentations to Community Forums, Tenants and Residents Associations, community groups and other agencies; B. Production and circulation of relevant materials; C. Organise annual community cohesion 'Equality=Respect' event; D. Promoting equalities and community cohesion with partnership organisations (police, Primary Care Trust, Education etc.); 2. Have dialogue with, and ensure involvement of, BME people, disabled people and other potentially excluded/discriminated against groups: Implement a rolling programme of meetings, discussions, participation & feedback from and to groups including informal discussions. 3. Promote accessible communication & information: A. Monitor web site B. Put the access statement on all public documents C. Provide interpreters, translations, other formats on request enthusiastically and quickly. 4. Develop increased understanding & knowledge of Council's Equality & Community Cohesion policies by employees & members: A. Training and briefings provided as required by internal demand and external requirements (equality legislation) B. Evaluate employee awareness via employee survey. 5. Undertake equality marketing including race & disability legal duties to promote positive attitudes Participate in marketing team. 6. Continued implementation Equality Standard: Work to maintain Level 3 30

32 7. Work to ensure a continuous improvement in disability access including signage: A. Achieve year on year improvement on Best Value Performance Indicator 156 on accessible premises B. Dialogue with local disabled people's groups C. Implement DDA adaptations 8. Action on Hate Crime: Encourage incident reporting for all groups and ensure all reports are investigated. 9. Develop corporate equalities co-ordination and ownership and service mainstreaming of equalities: Continued consolidation of the EQualities Development Group. 10. Ensure Race and Disability Equality Schemes produced, implemented and monitored: A. Implement Race and Disability Equality Relevance and Impact Assessments for existing and proposed policies, practices and functions B. Implement service monitoring C. Ensure consultation, involvement and engagement is undertaken D. Ensure race and disability criteria used in procurement E. Ensure Partnerships are aware of obligations and have equality targets F. Ensure all information is accessible. 31

33 Human Resources 1. Ensure compliance with race and disability legal duties to promote equality: A. Implement results of high and medium relevance Race Equality Impact Assessments B. Undertake any remaining REIAs C. Undertake impact assessments of any proposed policies D. Complete disability relevance assessments E. Procurement/contracts - race and disability equality considerations included F. Partnerships - Agreement sought for joint equality objectives and targets. 2. All managers equality competent: Management equality competencies are part of leadership development programme 3. All revised HR policies equality competent: Equalities included in all policy revisions as appropriate 4. Staff Handbook reinforces CBC equality ethos: Handbook to re-enforce message. 5. Workforce representative of the local community: A. Increase BME & disabled applicants at all levels and women at senior level B. Continue to investigate and trial positive action - targeted advertising, web-sites, liaising with community groups. 6. Policy development informed by communities and employees: A. Community groups consulted and engaged B. Action to tackle equality issues from 05-6 Employee Survey. 7. Provision & analysis of comprehensive workforce monitoring: First report using new software due in July Facilitate flexible working: Promote possibilities to employees. 9. Equal pay implemented: 32

34 Proposed equal pay / job evaluation proposals equality proofed. Chief Executive's Unit 1. Ensure compliance with race and disability legal duties to promote equality: A. Implement results of high and medium relevance Race Equality Impact Assessments B. Undertake any remaining REIAs C. Undertake impact assessments of any proposed policies D. Complete disability relevance assessments E. Procurement/contracts - race and disability equality considerations included F. Partnerships - Agreement sought for joint equality objectives and targets. 2. Policy Section: A. Public Relations: Function reflects Race and Disability Equality Scheme marketing requirements > Undertaken by new Virtual Marketing Team. B. Community Safety: Anti-Social Behaviour and Hate Crime - see Corporate Equalities and Community Cohesion Services 8. C. Equalities & Community Cohesion - see Corporate Equalities and Community Cohesion Services section. D. Performance - Function reflects Race Equality Scheme Requirements by implementing the results of the impact Assessment. E. Corporate Policy: Council policy & service delivery informed by an objective needs based mechanism for targeting deprivation - using new geography of deprivation provided by Indices of Multiple Deprivation 2004 mechanism. F. Staveley Neighbourhood Management Project - Implement the Community Cohesion Action Plan. 3. Best Value, Quality & Improvement Section: 1. Corporate procurement process is equalities compliant by implementation of guidance; 2. Best Value process is equalities compliant by Best Value reviews including Equality Improvement Plans. 4. E-Gov & ICT Services: 1. Web-site - Maintain accessibility standards 2. E transactions - Make transactions available electronically. 33

35 Housing Services 1. Ensure compliance with race and disability legal duties to promote equality: A. Implement results of high and medium relevance Race Equality Impact Assessments B. Undertake any remaining REIAs C. Undertake impact assessments of any proposed policies D. Complete disability relevance assessments E. Procurement/contracts - race and disability equality considerations included F. Partnerships - Agreement sought for joint equality objectives and targets. 2. Ensure all employees and tenant reps are trained on diversity and cultural awareness: Provide training for employees & tenant reps on diversity & cultural awareness. 3. Have clear understanding of customer base and make up of the local population: A. Update monitoring form B. Provide monitoring guidance for staff C. Reinforce need to collate information. 4. Have a comprehensive database which sets out preferred method of communication for each resident: A. Develop a field in SX3 which identifies preferred method of communication B. Collect information at sign up and during contact with existing tenants C. Record information. 5. Produce a communication strategy 6. Ensure all frontline staff receive training on talktype: Provide training for front line staff on talk type. 7. Set diversity targets for service users: Develop diversity targets for service users based on previous years percentages. 34

36 8. Contribute to the County Gypsy and Traveller Needs Assessment 9. Carry out a BME Housing Needs Survey: A. Recruit consultants B. Consultation carried out C. Report produced 10. Engage with BME tenants: Establish a BME Forum as part of the review of Tenant Participation Structure 11. Communicate the anti harassment policy to new and existing service users: All new tenants at sign up are made aware of the tenancy agreement in relation to anti-social behaviour and harassment. 12. Increase levels of satisfaction with service provision: Undertake annual customer satisfaction monitoring. Environmental Services 1. Ensure compliance with race and disability legal duties to promote equality: A. Implement results of high and medium relevance Race Equality Impact Assessments B. Undertake any remaining REIAs C. Undertake impact assessments of any proposed policies D. Complete disability relevance assessments E. Procurement/contracts - race and disability equality considerations included F. Partnerships - Agreement sought for joint equality objectives and targets. 2. Have comprehensive picture of different groups use of environmental services and any differential impact by: Monitoring specific services. 3. Increase ethnic minority groups' awareness of services by: Improving communications with Black and ethnic minority groups and incorporate material illustrating involvement of BME groups. 35

37 Leisure Services 1. Ensure compliance with race and disability legal duties to promote equality: A. Implement results of high and medium relevance Race Equality Impact Assessments B. Undertake any remaining REIAs C. Undertake impact assessments of any proposed policies D. Complete disability relevance assessments E. Procurement/contracts - race and disability equality considerations included F. Partnerships - Agreement sought for joint equality objectives and targets. 2. Have comprehensive picture of different groups' use of leisure services and any differential impact by: Producing equality monitoring analysis reports. Producing a generic young persons consent form including monitoring information. 3. Implement leisure & culture objectives of Community Strategy by: Developing inclusive programme & events. 4. Organise events which promote community cohesion by: 1. Museum - 1 exhibition/event pa that reflects Chesterfield's Diversity; 2. Arts Development - Through partnership secure funding to provide culturally diverse children's theatre targeted at deprived areas. Organise samba/lantern parade 3. Chesterfield in Bloom 4. Queens Park Café activities. 36

38 Revenues Services 1. Ensure compliance with race and disability legal duties to promote equality: A. Implement results of high and medium relevance Race Equality Impact Assessments B. Remaining REIAs completed. C. Undertake impact assessments of any proposed policies D. Completed disability relevance assessments E. Procurement/contracts - race and disability equality considerations included F. Partnerships - Agreement sought for joint equality objectives and targets. 2. Targeting deprivation - Increase benefits take-up in most deprived wards inc. by hard to reach groups by: Targeted take up campaigns. 3. Monitoring use of the services by: Claimant satisfaction survey. 37

39 Economic Promotion 1. Ensure compliance with race and disability legal duties to promote equality: A. Implement results of high and medium relevance Race Equality Impact Assessments B. Undertake any remaining REIAs C. Undertake impact assessments of any proposed policies D. Complete disability relevance assessments E. Procurement/contracts - race and disability equality considerations included F. Partnerships - Agreement sought for joint equality objectives and targets. 2. Improved grants awards framework removes inequitable anomalies - Community groups of people at risk of social exclusion have improved funding opportunities by: Implementing the new framework and publicise its implementation to community groups. 3. Community cohesion in areas badly affected by economic restructuring by: Provision of business premises & land at Ireland Industrial Estate, Staveley: Hi-tech work space scheme. 4. Disability fire evacuation in Council owned properties improved by: Consider as part of current round of Fire Risk Assessments actions to secure safety of all less ambulant persons attending the meeting rooms and offices at the Market Hall. 5. Chesterfield Festival is multi-cultural & accessible: Festival committee considers and implements equality considerations. 38

40 Planning Services 1. Ensure compliance with race and disability legal duties to promote equality: A. Implement results of high and medium relevance Race Equality Impact Assessments B. Undertake any remaining REIAs C. Undertake impact assessments of any proposed policies D. Complete disability relevance assessments E. Procurement/contracts - race and disability equality considerations included F. Partnerships - Agreement sought for joint equality objectives and targets. 2. Identify any differential use of services by: Producing analysis of service use monitoring. 3. Equality for gypsy/traveller communities by: Incorporating new government requirements into policies. 4. Designing out hate crime by: Incorporating guidance into Supplementary Planning Guidance on Designing out Crime. Design Services 1. Ensure compliance with race and disability legal duties to promote equality: A. Implement results of high and medium relevance Race Equality Impact Assessments B. Undertake any remaining REIAs C. Undertake impact assessments of any proposed policies D. Complete disability relevance assessments E. Procurement/contracts - race and disability equality considerations included F. Partnerships - Agreement sought for joint equality objectives and targets. 2. Improve access to council premises by: See Corporate Equality Services. 39

41 Accountancy & Audit Services 1. Ensure compliance with race and disability legal duties to promote equality: A. Implement results of high and medium relevance Race Equality Impact Assessments B. Undertake any remaining REIAs C. Undertake impact assessments of any proposed policies D. Complete disability relevance assessments E. Procurement/contracts - race and disability equality considerations included F. Partnerships - Agreement sought for joint equality objectives and targets. Legal, Scrutiny, Democratic & Monitoring Officer Services 1. Ensure compliance with race and disability legal duties to promote equality: A. Implement results of high and medium relevance Race Equality Impact Assessments B. Undertake any remaining REIAs C. Undertake impact assessments of any proposed policies D. Complete disability relevance assessments E. Procurement/contracts - race and disability equality considerations included F. Partnerships - Agreement sought for joint equality objectives and targets. 2. Improve Community Forums ethnic minority and disabled people representation: Implementing the Best Value review. 3. Increase member awareness of equality implications of Members Code by: Further training for Community Forum members and councillors. 4. Use international links to develop local community cohesion by: Developing events to promote working together of different communities. 40

42 3. SUMMARY OF SECOND YEAR'S RACE EQUALITY 'RISK ASSESSMENTS' CONTENTS: PAGE Explanation of 'risk assessments' 42 Chief Executives Unit 43 Human Resources 44 Housing Services 45 Environmental Services 48 Leisure Services 48 Planning Services 49 Economic Promotion Services 49 Tourism Services 50 Revenues Services 50 Legal Services 52 ************************************************************************************* 41

43 Explanation of 'risk assessments' 1. Local authorities, such as Chesterfield Borough Council, have a legal duty to "promote race equality". This means that through-out all our work we must consider: 1. eliminating unlawful racial discrimination; 2. promoting equal opportunities; and 3. promoting good relations between all (white and black and ethnic minority) groups in the local community. 2. In order to carry out these legal duties we must examine our existing policies. A policy is a set of principles or criteria to help an organisation carry out its functions or role. 3. We must ensure no groups in our community are being indirectly discriminated against by receiving a poorer service compared to any other group or are being excluded. We need to know how our policies affect people from different racial groups (white and black and ethnic minority). 4. These examinations of policies are called "equality impact assessments" - or they could be called "equality risk assessments". 5. We are currently required to undertake "race equality impact assessments". In 2007 we will be carrying out disability equality impact assessments and in 2008 we will need to examine our policies for their impact on equality between women and men. 42