Equality and diversity
Council Commitment to Equality and Diversity
Tackling inequalities is critical if Central Bedfordshire is to be successful in delivering services in such a way that people whose circumstances make them vulnerable are not disadvantaged. Narrowing the equality gap requires an awareness of the needs and interests of people who are at greater risk of lower quality of life outcomes. This includes assessing how well matched services are to needs and the means available to people to influence decision making and service delivery. The detail of how Central Bedfordshire will work towards achieving these objectives will be set out within its first Equality and Diversity Scheme which is actively being developed.
Central Bedfordshire Council will work closely with community groups, the voluntary sector through our Equalities Forum and with our contractors and those working on behalf of the council to promote equality and tackle discrimination. In striving to improve the quality of life and secure a range of responsive and valued services for the people of Central Bedfordshire, the Council will undertake equality impact assessments and engage and consult with the community on how well we are performing and what we can do to improve.
What Equality and Diversity Means
Promoting equality of opportunity and diversity is about recognising people’s different needs, situations and goals, and working to remove the barriers that limit what people can do and can be.
The six Equalities Strands are:
Harassment Advice and Support
If you are, or know someone, who is being bullied because of his or her race, religion, sexual orientation, gender / transgender or disability, don't be afraid to tell someone. Central Bedfordshire Council actively participates in a local multi agency partnership for recording and acting upon such incidents across Bedfordshire
Translation and Interpreting Services
The Council recognises that in order to ensure that services are accessible to all sections of the community consideration must be given to the need to provide accessible information and ensure positive outcomes to people who have a disability, speak English as a second language or have low levels of literacy. Our agreed approach is set out in our Customer Service Strategy.
Contact:
If you require further information on equality and diversity issues please contact:
Clare Harding Corporate Policy Advisor (Equality & Diversity)
Central Bedfordshire Council
Business Transformation
Melbourne House Kingsway, Bedford MK42 9DB
01234 228329 (Ext 42329)
Clare.Harding@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk