Information Commissioner s Office Equality objectives explained Corporate equality objective 1 (external) This means. It links directly to the following organisational strategic outcomes / objectives 2013-16 This takes into account our equality principles. To extend the ICO s external reach so that a wider range of individual and organisational users are aware of, and able to access our services The ICO reaching out to different people with an approach that is relevant and accessible. 1. Having a high proportion of individuals with a basic awareness of their information rights, coupled with ready access to information on how to exercise those rights 2. Development of people s understanding of information rights and risks embedded as an output of the formal education system Contribution: What we do contributes to our core purpose of upholding information rights. Fairness: We achieve greater fairness in information rights and in how the ICO operates. Reach: Our practices and information rights activity meets the needs of more people. ICO E&D Objectives, December 2013 P a g e 1
Proportionality: Actions are proportionate with an effective use of resources that balances input required and desired outcomes. We target this by. Identifying business critical areas where we believe the interests of particular groups are under-represented. Identifying areas of existing demand where we need to adapt or amend our approach for an improved outcome. We measure this by.. Analysing the quantitative and qualitative responses to our initiatives. Stakeholder perception survey and annual track analysis. Conducting focus groups and survey-based research. The types of activities that deliver this include. - Subject Access Request focus groups with minority ethnic communities. - Good Practice Team developing a programme of advisory visits with 2 nd tier equality organisations in the third sector. - A school s project building data protection awareness for young people into the curriculum. - Strategic Liaison team s communication outreach and partnership working with groups that work with older people. ICO E&D Objectives, December 2013 P a g e 2
- Increased accessibility of ICO policy documents, publications and website. Corporate equality objective 2 (internal) This means. It links directly to the following organisational strategic outcomes / objectives 2013-16 To mainstream equality understanding and skills within our workforce in order to improve employee experience and our capacity to meet diverse user needs. Building the equality and diversity skills of our people so that it is a better place to work and so we can effectively widen the reach and impact of ICO. 1. Customers receive a proportionate, fair and efficient response to their information rights concerns. 2. Individuals are empowered to use their information rights. 3. The ICO is alert and responsive to changes which impact on information rights. 4. ICO is an efficient organisation well prepared for the future. This takes into account our Contribution: What we do contributes to our core purpose of upholding information rights. ICO E&D Objectives, December 2013 P a g e 3
equality principles. Fairness: We achieve greater fairness in information rights and in how the ICO operates. Reach: Our practices and information rights activity meets the needs of more people. Proportionality: Actions are proportionate with an effective use of resources that balances input required and desired outcomes. We target this by.. Identifying where training and development can best support existing need or opportunity. Identifying any remedial action that needs taking in relation to any staff complaints, grievances or Dignity at Work cases. We measure this by.. Training needs analysis and participation rates in development activities. Staff questionnaires and annual staff satisfaction surveys. Performance and development reviews. The types of activities that deliver this include - First Contact reasonable adjustment and customer service review. - Leadership group equality learning day. ICO E&D Objectives, December 2013 P a g e 4
. - Development of equality principles to guide decision-making and resource allocations. - Policy Delivery review of guidance. - Mainstreaming of equality and diversity initiatives into operational plans. ICO E&D Objectives, December 2013 P a g e 5
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