The way forward: using effective diversity and equality practice to meet our challenges Michael Keating National Advisor Equalities and Cohesion Developing a multi-agency equality action plan in Cornwall 30 th March

The national picture Tackling the deficit v long-term economic success Big Society and devolution to communities and citizens –60% of voluntary and community sector groups concerned with equality issues Demographic changes –Ageing society –More women working –Growing diversity

The challenge to local government Big reductions in resources Move away from central to self-regulation Localism: transparency = rationale for decisions + accountability If local people say they want something why aren’t you providing it? No red tape!

The public sector Equality Duty Covering the ‘protected characteristics’ of age, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation A general duty which requires public bodies to have due regard to the need to: –Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation –Advance equality of opportunity between different groups –Foster good relations between different groups Role as employers, policymakers, service providers, commissioners and procurers

Supported by specific duties Publish information to demonstrate compliance –Have “due regard” –Understand the effect of policies and practices –Look at evidence, engage with people, staff, service users and others and consider the effect on the whole community –Guidance, not regulation Prepare and publish one or more objectives –Taking account of the size and role of the public authority and its current equality performance

Local government’s business case Strong cohesive places = Understanding communities + Tackling inequality The Equality Framework for Local Government (EFLG) is a tool for local government to self-regulate its own performance

Strengths of the model Designed to help deliver outcomes Peer support and challenge Relevant to current policy and service context Benchmark across public sector

….but? Knowing your community – equality mapping48% Improving representation of under-represented groups 32% Procurement29% Place shaping, leadership, partnership27% Community engagement and customer satisfaction 18% Responsive services and customer care8% Workforce issues10%

A new business case – what we need to do Capacity and skills of practitioners to negotiate and influence when there is less central guidance and direction More open problem-solving by practitioners, senior officers and councillors Building more effective relationships within and between organisations Find the right language - reflecting different political views, resonating with local priorities and making sense to all kinds of communities

Further information on the LG Improvement and Development’s equality work is available from: The Equality Frameworks are available from: Network and share good practice with local government and partner colleagues on our Equality CoP: