Worcester City Council has published a new strategy aimed at tackling inequality, challenging discrimination, promoting inclusion and celebrating diversity in the city.
The new Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy is designed to help reduce inequalities in the city and safeguard the rights of people protected by the Equality Act 2010.
The new strategy is backed by all four political parties represented on the City Council and is intended to support the authority's City Plan, which outlines a vision of a city that is prosperous, accessible, diverse and inclusive; with great opportunities for work, leisure, sport and tourism alongside a quality of life that is attractive to all.
The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy sets out how the Council will lead by example, work with others, invest in communities, and listen and act when people suggest how services can be delivered better.
Residents are encouraged to read the new strategy and give the Council their feedback.
Councillor Marc Bayliss, the City Council's Joint Leader, said: "The City Council has a long tradition of community leadership and we have hosted and supported many events in Worcester to recognise our diverse communities. We know there is much more that we can do to make our services and opportunities accessible to all and so I welcome the launch of this new Equality Diversity and Inclusion Strategy which is endorsed by all the political parties on the Council."
Councillor Robyn Norfolk, the City Council's Member Champion for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, said: "In conjunction with the City Plan, this Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy highlights how each of us in the City Council – staff, management and elected councillors – can help make decisions and deliver services which reflect the diversity of Worcester and benefit each and every resident.
"Your voices are important and I encourage everyone in the community to reach out and let us know, not only how we can do better but also when we've got it right so that we can apply those lessons across the Council.
"We should be proud that this strategy has strong support across the Council, and I look forward to playing my part in helping the Council achieve its goals."
The new Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy is based around four themes:
- Understanding and working with our communities
- Leadership, partnership and organisational commitment
- Responsive services and customer care
- Diverse and engaged workforce.
