Agenda item

Consideration was given to a report detailing the outcomes of the a peer review of the Equality and Diversity function undertaken by Barnsley and Doncaster councils in October 2017 and the progress made in implementing actions arising from the review’s recommendations.

The purpose of the peer review was to offer an external assessment of the Council’s self-evaluation against the Equality Framework for Local Government (EFLG). The EFLG comprises five performance areas:

·         knowing your communities;

·         leadership, partnership and organisational commitment;

·         involving your communities;

·         responsive services and customer care;

·         and a skilled and committed workforce.

It was reported that the peer review focussed predominately on the first two performance areas – ‘knowing your communities’ and ‘leadership, partnership and organisational commitment.’ However, relevant observations around the other performance areas were also noted by the peer review team.

The Peer Review Team agreed with the Council’s self-assessment that it was performing at the ‘developing’ level, which meant that the Council currently ‘understands the importance of equality.’ A number of strengths were also identified by the Peer Review Team, including examples where the Council was working above the ‘developing level’. The Peer Review team found that:

·         The Equality for All Strategy was forming a strong foundation in building robust Equality and Diversity infrastructure.

·         There were examples of excellent practice amongst frontline staff (such as the Neighbourhoods Teams).

·         Core pieces of data were in place (such as JSNA, borough/ward profiles etc.)

·         Data sharing systems were in place, including through the Rotherham Together Partnership.

·         There were examples of services using data to develop more responsive services (for example, Sight and Sound, Safer Neighbourhoods).

·         Some services were using engagement activity to inform service planning and decision-making (for example, Different but Equal, Views from Rotherham, Early Help).

·         There was evidence of strong political and executive leadership and commitment to the Equalities agenda at a senior level.

From the review’s recommendations, the Council identified five key areas to focus on:-

·         The Council needs to embed standards around equalities and diversity across the organisation, by determining what information Directorates should collect, how they should do this and how this information will inform decisions about services. This should include embedding equalities within Service Plans as well as influencing the design and commissioning of services.

·         There also needs to be a more comprehensive and consistent approach to Equality Impact Assessments.

·         A comprehensive evaluation of the current policy and action plan should take place, with the completion of an annual report with more outward facing objectives. This will ensure that the Council can be more responsive and proactive in identifying emerging equalities and diversity priorities.

·         A Community Engagement Strategy and Toolkit should be developed so that the Council has a clear, consistent and joined up approach to community engagement, which gives appropriate consideration to equality and diversity.

·         Officers and members should be supported to build the knowledge and expertise to embed equalities protocols and practice, and representation from all protected groups in the workforce should be increased.

Members raised concerns in respect of the accuracy of the report which cited seven protected characteristic groups, when there were nine protected characteristic groups enshrined in law. Further concerns were aired in respect of the findings in respect of young people and disabled people.

Reference was made to the finding that there was a gap in deeper understanding of insectional issues, such as BME older people or LGBT travellers, assurances were sought in the actions taken to address those issues. In response, it was confirmed that work was being done to build such considerations in the community engagement framework, and specific work had taken place within Adult Social Care to address issues around BME older people. It was acknowledged that work was required with the gypsy and traveller community.

Members expressed frustration with the report and the Chair recommended that a meeting organised separately to address the concerns with the Cabinet Member and Assistant Chief Executive.

Resolved:-

1.    That the findings and recommendations of the Equalities and Diversity Peer Review be noted.

2.    That the progress made to date on implementing the recommendations of the Equalities and Diversity Peer Review be noted.

3.    That a meeting be held between the Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and Finance, the Assistant Chief Executive, the Chair of Overview and Scrutiny Management Board and Councillor Brookes to address the board's concerns regarding equalities.