Issue - meetings

Report of the Executive Director – Regeneration, Economy and Assets

Further to Minute No. 146 of 6 April 2023, the Cabinet considered the report of the Executive Director – Regeneration, Economy and Assets indicating that the Council published its Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy for 2023-2027 following approval at the Cabinet meeting on 6 April 2023. The Cabinet had requested an annual report on progress against the strategy and action plan. The report provided a summary of progress over the first 12 months since approval of the Strategy against its objectives and action areas and outlined the breadth of activity and level of progress being made across the Council in all areas, recognising the strategy’s focus on the Council’s role as an employer as a priority in the short term. It was also recognised that there remained much to do in this important area of work as the Council continued to aim to improve all aspects of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion as an employer, a provider of services, a commissioner and as a place leader.

Reference was made to the need to ensure that any training provided was up-to-date and for Members to be included in any training provision.

Decisions Made:

That

(1)           the content of the report and the approved Strategy be noted;

(2)           key issues and opportunities arising, together with areas of potential interest for further review and focus in future years be noted; and

(3)      the next annual report on performance against the strategy and action plan be received in 12 months’ time.

Reasons for the Decision(s):

The recommendations would support the effective and transparent governance of the Council’s approach to inequality, diversity and inclusion, and its performance to date against the approved Strategy and Action Plan.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

The alternative option of not producing an annual report was not considered.