Equality and Diversity

• Introduction
• Equality Act 2010
• Corporate Equality Scheme 2011-15
• Equality Impact Assessments
• Employment Monitoring
• Equal Opportunities Policy

Introduction

This page contains the key documents which set out the Council's approach to promoting Equality and Diversity in the Tameside. The overarching aim of the Community Strategy  for the borough is to reduce inequality. In everything we do we are trying to narrow the gap between the experiences of different groups within the community, so that everyone can benefit from our services to the same degree, and achieve the best outcomes. 

This page, together with the links below provide an introduction to equality and diversity in general, our Corporate Equality Scheme 2011-15, the Equality Act 2010, and details of further information, support, and advice that is available to you though both the Council and other sources.

Equality Act 2010

The main provisions of the Equality Act 2010, which provide the basic framework of protection from discrimination, victimisation and harassment, came into force from 1 October 2010.The Act replaces all existing anti-discrimination laws, and extends protection across a number of ‘protected characteristics’. These are race, gender/sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, and marriage and civil partnership. The Act applies across services and public functions; premises; work; education; associations; and transport provision.

From 5 April 2011 the public sector equality duty came into force. Contained within section 149 of the Equality Act 2010, the general duty (which replaces the previous race, gender, and disability duties) requires those subject to it to have due regard to the need to:

• Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation
• Advance equality of opportunity between different groups
• Foster good relations between different groups

For more detailed information on the Equality Act and the public sector equality duty, further guidance is available on Tameside's Equality Act 2010 page, the Government Equalities Office  (part of the Home Office) and Equality & Human Rights Commission  websites.

Corporate Equality Scheme 2011-15

Tameside’s new equality scheme was approved by Key Decision in September 2011, and replaces all previous equality schemes.

View the Corporate Equality Scheme 2011-2015 229.49 KB

Under the terms of the Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties) Regulations 2011, all public bodies are required to publish certain pieces of equality related information. One of the requirements of the regulations is that we publish our equality objectives by no later than 6 April 2012.
You can find out more about the Specific Duties on the Government Equalities Office website .

You can see here for more information about the CES2011-15 (together with previous equality schemes).

Equality Impact Assessments

Equality Impact Assessments (EIAs) are an important tool in demonstrating how we as a Council have paid, and are paying, due regard to the public sector equality duty.

The process allows the Council to consider the ways in which our services are delivered, and how this might impact on the various individuals and groups who use a particular service. In doing this, we are able to look at potential barriers to access, and offer mitigations to these. They help us understand the needs of service users better, and help raise awareness of the different considerations that need to be taken account of when making decisions.

Read more and view completed EIA's listed by Directorate.

Employment Monitoring Report

The specific duties of the public sector equality duty require public bodies, including Councils, to publish certain types of information. One such piece of information is the publication of information relating to the protected characteristics of our employees.

Tameside Council has a history of publishing annual workforce monitoring reports. In response to equality duties under the Race Relations (Amendment) Act, the Council produced an annual workforce monitoring report. As a result of the introduction of further disability and gender equality duties the Authority extended the workforce monitoring report to include disability, gender and age monitoring statistics.

View the most recent Employment Monitoring Report, and historic reports can be accessed via the related links section at the top left hand side of this page.

Equal Opportunities Policy

Tameside Council exists to maximise the well being of the people of the borough and in pursuing this aim, it will strive for a just and inclusive society which gives everyone equality. The Council's Equal Opportunities Policy sets out our commitment to promoting equal opportunities in service delivery and employment.

Contact Information
Send us a Message	Policy Unit Tameside MBC Council Offices Wellington Road Ashton under Lyne OL6 6DL  View local map
0161 342 3711
0161 342 2147