Equality and diversity
We understand and respect that people are unique and have individual differences. We celebrate this diversity and encourage positive relationships between people with differing needs.
We are committed to equality of opportunity both in the services we provide and as an employer and we believe that every individual should be treated fairly and equally. The needs of the different communities in the district are diverse. For example, Cotswold District has:
- an ageing population and we are aware that disability is an issue for many
- a small ethnic minority community but a significant number of migrant workers.
Equality Policy and Action Plan
We are working with Forest of Dean and West Oxfordshire District Councils on equality and diversity issues. We have agreed a Joint Equality Policy which sets out our approach and equality outcomes until 2020 and an Equality Action Plan.
Joint Equality Policy 2017-20 - pdf - 51 Kb
Equality Impact Assessments
An Equalities Impact Assessment (EIA), is an assessment of the effect that a service or a policy has on minority groups in our community. For example, the assessment will show whether something that we are proposing to do will have a harmful effect on a particular group of people or whether certain groups may have difficulty in using a new service. If this is the case, the assessment will then address how we will deal with that issue.
All Council services and any new or changes to services have been assessed. Here are some recent EIAs. Older EIAs are available on request.