Issue - items at meetings - Workforce Equalities Action Plan

Report of the Executive Director for Finance & Resources (copy attached).

(1)               That the findings of the Global HPO report on race equality in employment at Appendix 1 to the report be noted;

(2)               That the progress made to date on the issues identified in that report as set out in paragraph 3.3 be noted;

(3)               That the Workforce Equalities Action plans set out in Appendix 2 and 3 to the report be approved; and

(4)               That the ongoing monitoring and reporting arrangements set out in Appendix 4 to the report be noted.

38.1         The Executive Director for Finance & Resources introduced the report which detailed the findings of Global HPO in relation to their assessment of race equality in employment in the Council and the action plan that had been drawn up as a result of the findings.  She noted that a number of the findings went across the organisation and also included aspects affecting partner organisations.  She wished to put on record her thanks to all those that took part in the review and stated that she believed significant progress had been made.

38.2         Councillor Littman welcomed the report and stated that it was an important step in moving forward and enabling the council to meet a number of very challenging aspects that were part of the HPO report.

38.3         The Chair endorsed the comments and stated that he wished to thank the Executive Director for leading on what had been a huge piece of work and stated that he believed the organisation was on the right path, albeit that there were challenges to be tackled in order to achieve the objectives.

38.4         Councillor A. Norman welcomed the report and the action plan.  She stated that over the years the organisation had tried a number of ways to address the issues highlighted and it did now appear that a considered approach could be taken forward and results achieved.

38.5         Councillor Morgan welcomed the report and stated that it was essential to ensure that all staff were treated with respect.

38.6         The Chair thanked the Members for their comments and put the recommendations to the vote.

38.7         RESOLVED:

(1)         That the findings of the Global HPO report on race equality in employment at Appendix 1 to the report be noted;

(2)         That the progress made to date on the issues identified in that report as set out in paragraph 3.3 be noted;

(3)         That the Workforce Equalities Action plans set out in Appendix 2 and 3 to the report be approved; and

(4)         That the ongoing monitoring and reporting arrangements set out in Appendix 4 to the report be noted.