Presentation - An Overview of the Public Sector Equality Duties
North Lanarkshire Council · 4 November 2022
Back to Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty Committee — 4 November 2022 and its agenda
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An overview of the Public Sector Equality Duties Fiona Whittaker Head of People and Organisational Development
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PSED – What is its purpose The purpose of the public sector equality duty is to ensure that public authorities and those carrying out a public function consider how they can positively contribute to a more equal society through advancing equality and good relations in their day-to-day business, to: • take effective action on equality • make the right decisions, first time around • develop better policies and practices, based on evidence • be more transparent, accessible and accountable • deliver improved outcomes for all.
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The Public Sector Equality Duty General Duty • Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation • Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not • Foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not Specific Duty (Scotland) includes • Equality Impact Assessments • Equality outcomes • Employment Information • Reporting – pay gaps, mainstreaming • Procurement
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Why is equality and diversity important to the public sector? Legal • Equality Act 2010 • PSED • Fairer Scotland Duty • Human Rights Act • Community Empowerment Act • BSL (Scotland) Act 2015 • Inspection – Education Scotland, Care Inspectorate • Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Moral & Reputational • Its our duty to eliminate all forms of discrimination & inequality • Reputation of the Council as a Public Authority • Clear ambition within the Plan for North Lanarkshire • Being a good employer – attracting and retaining staff
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About North Lanarkshire’s People
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About NLC Workforce
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Our Equalities Strategy
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Our Equalities Delivery Framework
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Equalities Reports in 2023 •Equalities Delivery Framework & forward plan – Cycle 1 •Mainstreaming Report (progress against our 9 outcomes) – Cycle 1 •Advancing Race Equality ( building on our Race at Work Charter and the outcomes of our Black Lives Matter Working Group). – Cycle 2
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Elected Members have a formal role to play in championing equal opportunities, promoting cohesion and fostering good relations within their constituencies. They are responsible for paying due regard to equality and human rights in all of their constituency work. Elected Members & Equalities
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What can you do? • Equalities Training for Elected Members – this is mandatory. o General equalities training, which includes the statutory roles and responsibilities of elected members on delivering the Public Sector Equalities Duty are booked for 18th, 23rd & 25th Nov. o Gender Budgeting Training, currently booked for 18th, 7th and 14th Dec. • Pay due regard to the three needs of the PSED o Consider the equality impacts in the committee decision making process. o Work to promote community support through Community Boards. o Challenge prejudice and discrimination, foster good relations with groups who have protected characteristics. o Consider how people are able access your constituency support services.
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Support for Elected Members Advice and information Signposting – local, regional and national organisations Resources and training Equalities Team – equality@northlan.gov.uk • Audrey Cameron • Elaine Wightman