Equality, diversity and inclusion annual report 2023

Our commitment

We encourage a supportive and inclusive culture. We believe that diversity and inclusion brings many benefits. People work better and services improve if we operate in an open and supportive environment, where people are individually valued. We recognise everyone has visible and non-visible differences. By respecting this, everyone can feel valued. Our revised Equality and Inclusion Policy covers how we treat everyone:

  • colleagues
  • customers
  • communities
  • other stakeholders

We adopted a Declaration condemning extremism and racist behaviour in all its forms. That Declaration is incorporated in our Equality and Inclusion Policy. It was signed by the Leaders of each of the Political Parties that make up the County Council on 15 September 2017.

Corporate diversity steering group

Our Corporate diversity steering group is made up from representatives from across the Council. It is chaired by the Executive Director for Adult Care and Community Wellbeing. The Group provides council wide strategic direction to equality and diversity. This includes the overall culture of the Council. It ensures we meet our statutory requirements as set out in the Equality Act 2010 and the Equality Duty.