Equality and Diversity

Picture of faces

Introduction – Challenging inequality and celebrating diversity

Equality and diversity is about quality of life for everyone and the creation of a society where everyone can participate and has the opportunity to fulfil their potential. Freedom from discrimination and equality of opportunity are fundamental rights.

We believe in a society that welcomes, respects and celebrates the richness that individual differences can bring. Equality and Diversity means understanding that each person is unique and we should celebrate that uniqueness.

The council is committed to challenging inequality and celebrating diversity in which:-

  • People can achieve their full potential and a good quality of life
  • Everyone can access our services, facilities and information
  • There is community engagement as an integral part of policy development, service changes in decision making and service delivery
  • The Island is a stronger, safer and inclusive community
  • People have trust and confidence in us and feel confident to report incidents of abuse or discrimination
  • Our workforce is reflective of our community ethnic profile

We recognise that mainstreaming equality and diversity in the delivery of council services requires:-

  • Political commitment and ownership, leadership and demonstration of behaviours that require equality and diversity considerations are integral to business planning and policy objectives
  • Effective communication, networks and mechanisms for consultation together with participation with individual, groups, and organisations to support our obligations under equality and diversity legislation to have due regard to eliminate discrimination

Policy and legislation

We are guided by our statutory obligations as set out in the Equality Act 2010.  There are also specific public duties required of all local authorities.  We welcome and acknowledge our legal duties, national guidance and our own policies as a framework for improvement.

Find out more:

IW Council and IW NHS Single Equality Scheme

 

Equality Impact Assessments

Equality Impact Assessments

 

Isle of Wight Facts and Figures

IW Facts and figures