Decision details

9.1

The Chief Executive, submitted a report providing Cabinet with:-

·         An overview of our Equality Duties and progress on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)

·         A new set of Equality and Fairness Objectives for 2014 to 2018

·         An outline of the areas of persistent inequality and challenges

·         Recommendations for action

9.2

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:-

(a)

notes the report;

(b)

agrees the new Equality and Fairness Objectives (as set out in section 6.1 of the report);

(c)

notes the progress made on meeting the Council’s statutory equality duties (as set out in sections 5 and 7, and good practice examples set out in the appendices);

(d)

agrees the Equality and Fairness Objectives action plan to help the Council meet its Equality duties, set out in Appendix 6 to the report;

(e)

agrees the Workforce Equality Action Plan, set out in Appendix 7 to the report;

(f)

notes the focus via the Tackling Poverty and Increasing Social Justice Board on being a guarantor of equality; and

(g)

agrees that the Strategic Equality Board should focus attention on:-

·         Ensuring we have joined up approaches with partners to equality, diversity and inclusion

·         Meeting our Equality Duties including via the Equality and Fairness Objectives

·         Oversight of the Equality and Fairness Objectives action plan

·         Oversight of the action plan in relation to the Workforce Equality Review

·         Developing a shared understanding of equality, fairness and inclusion that increases awareness and reduces inappropriate or unacceptable behaviour

9.3

Reasons for Decision

9.3.1

Our aim is to make Sheffield a fairer place to live and work and on an ongoing basis we will continue to meet the needs of our diverse customers. There is excellent work being undertaken across the Council in relation to equality, diversity and inclusion that will continue to make a difference to people’s lives in the City.

9.3.2

However, alongside this work there are areas of persistent inequality in key areas across the Council that this report highlighted and undermines the good work in services. These areas should be recognised as priorities and addressed differently if we are to improve outcomes for everyone across the City.

9.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

9.4.1

The actions and recommendations noted are considered to be the best way to meet our Public Sector Equality duties, to address persistent long term inequalities and to help make Sheffield a fairer and more equal place to live and work.

9.5

Any Interest Declared or Dispensation Granted

None

9.6

Reason for Exemption if Public/Press Excluded During Consideration

None

9.7

Respective Director Responsible for Implementation

John Mothersole, Chief Executive

9.8

Relevant Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee If Decision Called In

Overview and Scrutiny