Under the Equality Act 2010 the Council has a duty to protect the rights of individuals, advance opportunity for all and provide protection from discrimination for individuals on the basis of their protected characteristics. These are: age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnerships, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion and belief, and sexual orientation.
The Act includes a Public Sector Duty (PSED) comprised of a general equality duty and supporting specific duties. As part of the general duty public bodies are expected to set and publish Equality Objectives for their organisation at least every four years. Shown on this page are the Council's Equality and Diversity Policy 2019-2023 and its Equality Objectives and Action Plan 2019-2023 (part of the same document).
Cannock Chase Council is also committed to improving the quality of life for disabled people in the District and has held workshops that consult and engage representatives from local disability groups and organisations.
The Council takes action on issues raised at disability workshops and feedbacks on progress, as appropriate.
- Equality and Diversity Policy
-
We aim to ensure that our services meet the varied individual needs and expectations of local people and that everyone has equal access to services regardless of their race, ethnic origin, language, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status, race, religions or non religious belief, family background or any other individual characteristic which may limit a person's opportunities in life.
We recognise that services must be relevant, responsive and sensitive, and that the Council must be perceived as fair and equitable in its provision of services by our service users, by our partners and the wider community. We aim to ensure that our contractors and others who deliver our services also share our vision and values.
We also recognise that we work in a richly diverse community and understand the strategic importance of achieving a diverse workforce, which reflects the community. We undertake to recruit, develop and retain people by valuing the varied skills and experiences they bring to Cannock Chase Council; by investing in their training and development; by treating employees fairly and equitably; by combating harassment and discrimination at work, and by encouraging an honest and open culture which values the differences between us.
As a Council we recognise the important leadership role we have in promoting and encouraging tolerance, fairness and equality and in influencing other service providers and employers. Cannock Chase Council undertakes to work closely with local people, businesses, employers, voluntary and community groups and our other partners to build a more tolerant, compassionate and respectful place in which we can all live and work.
With regard to Council publications, any material produced which contains more than three pages must include the Council's standard Equality and Diversity statement.