Ensuring that people have equal opportunities to access services.

What is Diversity?

Caroline Ramsey is the Lead Member for Equality and Diversity, I am delighted to introduce the Equality and Diversity Policy and Action Plan. Excellent work has already been undertaken in this area - the action plan in Appendix 1 highlights an ambitious programme for continual improvement over the next three years.

This Equality and Diversity Policy will not only influence the way we deliver services to our diverse communities in the future, but will play a key part in embedding Equality and Diversity within the developing culture of our organisation.

Equality and Diversity is not only about equal opportunities but also about ensuring that we as an organisation, and our partners, have a full appreciation and understanding of the diverse communities to which we all belong.

The main thrust of the Policy, is to ensure that the wide range of services we deliver directly, or in partnership with others, are accessible, and delivered to a high standard to each and every sector within the community.  We also need to ensure that as one of the major employers in North Wiltshire, we are seen as an excellent role model, and that Members and staff who work for the organisation reflect the people who live in our communities.

I am grateful for all the hard work undertaken by the Executive Working Group who produced the Policy, the external stakeholders group, the internal staff group, and the consultees that informed the development of the Policy.

I now look forward to the next exciting phase of working with our partners and stakeholders to deliver the challenging action plan that will drive forward future improvement in this area.

Equality and Diversity Policy (PDF 204Kb)