Equality is a core value for Argyll and Bute Council and therefore everyone working for or with us has responsibilities in relation to promoting equality of opportunity and good relations between different groups.

The Equality Act 2010 came into force in 2010 providing a modern and single legal framework to tackle disadvantage and discrimination more effectively.

Prior to the Equality Act 2010, the Council, as a public authority, had specific equality duties for race, disability and gender.

The Act brings together the 9 areas of race, disability, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion and belief, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership and pregnancy and maternity.

The council in the exercise of its functions must:-

• Eliminate discrimination, harassment and victimisation
• Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not
• Foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not

Specific Equality Duties

The Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties) (Scotland) Regulations 2012 came into force on May 2012.  These specific duties are designed to help public sector organisations meet the general duty effectively.

The key duties are that the Council must:-

• Report on mainstreaming equality
• Publish equality outcomes and report on progress
• Assess and review policies and practices
• Gather and use employment information
• Publish gender pay gap information
• Publish statements on equal pay
• Consider award criteria and conditions in relation to public procurement

Argyll and Bute Council’s Equality Outcomes 2013 – 2017

The Equality Outcomes the Council has identified cover all of the protected characteristics.  It should be noted that through a program of service self-assessments and improvement planning, the Council will continue to identify initiatives to support and mainstream equality further within the organisation.  Any further improvements will be reported in council publications, performance reporting and in the progress report due by 30th April 2015.

The outcomes highlight the priorities for the next four years.  The monitoring of progress towards these outcomes will be continuous over this period.

For reporting purposes, the list of outcomes consists of all equality outcomes for Argyll and Bute Council, for both the Local Authority and the Education Authority.

As part of the specific duties, the Council has published the Equality outcomes and mainstreaming report and is required to publish a progress report by 30th April 2015 and every two years thereafter.

Equality Outcomes

1. More people are actively engaged in local decision making
2. Our service delivery is sensitive to the ends of all users
3. The needs of individuals who provide unpaid care and support are recognised and including young carers
4. The individual needs of all recipients of care are recognised
5. The gap in educational attainment between protected characteristics has been reduced
6. Bullying of young people in schools is reduced
7. We have improved engagement with protected groups

Equality and Diversity Policy

The Equality and Diversity Policy describes how the council will better-address the needs of all its employees and all members of the communities it serves.    The overall intention is to create a working environment where all forms of discrimination or oppressive behaviour are unacceptable. 

As the major employer in the area, we recognise the need for an Equality and Diversity Policy.  We are committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity amongst our workforce.  Our aim is that our workforce will be truly representative of all sections of society and each employee feels respected and able to give of their best.

Our Equality and Diversity Policy is underpinned by key principles:

• No-one is disadvantaged because of their race or ethnic origin, disability, gender, age, sexual orientation, or religion and belief
• The differences between people are valued and good relations between groups are promoted
• People are treated fairly and with equal respect
• Informed assessments are made on the impact of policies and services
• People are involved in the decisions that affect them and encouraged to participate in public life

Successful implementation of the Equality and Diversity Scheme and policy will depend on a partnership between us and the community and involves:

• Elected Members:
• Executive Directors
• Employees and staff representatives
• Providers of Goods and Services to and for the Council

Equality Impact Assessment Toolkit

The Equality Impact Assessment Toolkit has been developed to help our decision makers place equality at the centre of any policies and plans.

The Equality Impact Assessment Toolkit helps to assess the impact of our functions and policies on the diverse groups of people within Argyll and Bute.  The Toolkit will also enable us to maximise opportunities to promote equality and good relations between groups.  The Toolkit also helps ensure that we meet the commitments set out in the Equality and Diversity Scheme.

Argyll and Bute Council Equality Impact Assessments

You can read the Equality Impact Assessments carried out for budget savings proposed for the 2011-12 Budget here -

Equality Impact Assessments - 2011-12 Budget Proposals