Equality and diversity policy
We are committed to equality and social inclusion as an employer, service provider and as a strategic partner both locally and regionally. Equalities is an important part of our work and as such we have processes within the organisation to make sure it is active and always in our thinking.
You can read our policy here
You can read an Easy Read version here
Community Consultation and Engagement
As part of our equality analysis, where appropriate, we actively engage with our community networks, stakeholders and wider community.
Equal Pay
The Council strives for equal pay. An equal pay audit has been completed for employees covered by the National Joint Council pay and conditions of service. The Council has been working closely with the trade unions and the pay grades relating to NJC staff were jointly agreed between the Council and the trade unions.
Training
As part of our on-going commitment we also have a comprehensive training programme to ensure all of our staff have an awareness and an understanding of the principles and performance associated with delivering of services in a fair and supportive manner.
Equality Act 2010
The main provisions of the Equality Act 2010, which provide the basic framework of protection from discrimination, victimisation and harassment, came into force from 1 October 2010.The Act replaces all existing anti-discrimination laws, and extends protection across a number of ‘protected characteristics’. From 5 April 2011 the public sector equality duty came into force
Publishing Equality Information
The specific duties of the public sector equality duty require public bodies, including Councils, to publish certain types of information, for example information in relation to the protected characteristics of employees, and persons who share a relevant protected characteristic who are affected by our policies and practices. They also require the publication of one or more equality objectives that we think achievable in relation to the public sector equality duty.
Equality Objectives
Under the terms of the Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties) Regulations 2011, public bodies were required to publish equality objectives. You can find our Draft Equality and Diversity Policy for 2020 - 2022 here.
Equality Impact Assessments
Equality Impact Assessments (EIAs) are an important tool in demonstrating how we as a Council have paid, and are paying, due regard to the public sector equality duty.
Equality assessments form part of the information provided to decision makers within the Council and are available as part of the relevant committee report or cabinet member decision.
Cared for and Care experienced
Sefton recognises cared for and care experienced as a protected characteristic. Children and young people who have had prolonged contact with the Sefton’s social care services will now be on an equal footing with people in these other groups This is part of our commitment to actively listen to the voices of people with care experience and consider their needs when creating new policies.
In recognising ‘care experienced’ as a protected characteristic, the Council will actively seek out and listen to the voices of care experienced people in the same way they would ensure voices across the spectrum of age, gender, race and disability are heard. It will ensure that all decisions the Council make, the policies they set and the services they commission always consider the specific needs of care experienced young people and the impact on them.