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(Draft) Equality Objectives and Action Plan 2022-2025
As a Community Leader |
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Objective |
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To lead by example, to ensure every individual resident is connected and supported.
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Commitments |
Actions |
Responsibility |
Timeframe |
We will work closely with our partners (Voluntary and Community Sector, Anchor Institutions, Parishes and Church and Faith groups) to: · Identify opportunities for joined up working and improving our ability to share information to support and engage our wider communities · Increase volunteering opportunities and participation, funding and support |
· Implement no wrong door (local campaign to signpost to services) – increasing access to services
· Provide access to digital training and support at Trinity House. |
Housing/Revs and Bens
All teams (led by Inclusion board)
Housing Communities, Policy & Engagement team |
April 2023
March 2023
Review Jan 2023
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We will undertake a review of consultation and engagement activities to ensure that they maximise resident participation and are representative of Maidstone’s demographic.
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Increase response rates from underrepresented groups though us of Let’s Talk Maidstone (the Council’s new public engagement platform)
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Communities, Policy & Engagement team
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Review Jan 2023 |
We will support and promote diversity and inclusion in the borough through our communications and events – with a focus on our seldom-heard communities.
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Expand internal Equality Diversity and Inclusion Group to provide internal direction and challenge
Create Diversity Calendar - Annual calendar of events to celebrate diversity and promote inclusion in Maidstone
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Communities, Policy & Engagement team
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer Group
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Jan 2023
March 2023 |
We will support our serving and veteran communities through our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant and responsibilities under the Armed Forces Act 2021 with guidance provided to staff across all services.
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Provide guidance to enable all staff to support Armed Forces Community
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Policy, Communities & Engagement team |
March 2023 |
Connections to other plans |
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· Strategic Plan · Communications Plan · Recovery and Renewal Strategy ·
Financial
Inclusion Strategy |
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As an Employer |
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Objective |
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To lead a diverse and inclusive workforce that is reflective of the borough of Maidstone where residents and colleagues feel safe, confident, and empowered to challenge and bring about change.
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Commitments |
Actions |
Responsibility |
Timescale |
We will train our staff so that they are skilled in inclusive practice, to work with communities who are less able, or willing, to participate in life in their local neighbourhoods. We will provide training and support to staff so they can recognise and manage unacceptable behaviours
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Provide Staff training in Cultural Competencies
Introduce Equalities Champions (including elected member and senior leadership)
Deliver the Culture change project |
HR
Policy Communities & Engagement team
HR |
Review Jan 2023
April 2023
Ongoing |
We will creating a strong, internal sense of community within the organisation.
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Introduce Annual staff EDI survey to identify need and benchmark progress
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Policy, Communities & Engagement team |
Jan 2023 |
We will look after the mental health of our staff and recognise when this offer needs to change
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Provide training and support for Mental Health Champions |
HR |
Ongoing |
Connections to other plans |
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· Strategic Plan ·
Workforce
Strategy |
As a Service Provider |
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Objective |
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To deliver inclusive services in accordance with Council’s values.
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Commitments |
Actions |
Responsibility |
Timescale |
We will use specific and meaningful language when referring to diverse communities
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Adopt of LGA Inclusive Language Guide
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Policy, Communities & Engagement team |
April 2023 |
We will support access to services and support through ICT process, communication and join up with partners
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Proactively use ‘neutral spaces’ to increase access to support and services for residnets
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Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer Group All Services
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Review Jan 2023 |
We will take an evidence-based approach to leading recovery in Maidstone including a specific work stream on communities. |
Identify emerging needs from Census data
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Data Analytics team |
Dec 2023 (ongoing release) |
We will review the Equalities Impact Assessment processes.
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Include ‘Poverty’ as a local protected characteristic with the EqIA process
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Policy, Communities & Engagement team |
Jan 2023 |
We will review and identify our policies where we consider equalities impacts and identify how we can improve outcomes through revisions to policy. |
Include Armed Forces Act 2021 in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy
Prioritise existing Policies by review date and implement process of review for equalities.
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Policy, Communities & Engagement team
Policy, Communities & Engagement team |
Dec 2022
Review Feb 2023 |
Connections to other plans |
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· Strategic Plan · Recovery & Renewal Strategy · Digital Strategy
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