(Draft) Equality Objectives and Action Plan 2022-2025

 

As a Community Leader

 

 

 

Objective

 

To lead by example, to ensure every individual resident is connected and supported.

 

 

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

·         Create join up with Housing Associations to deliver hardship payments as part of the Xantura project

 

·         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

 

We will undertake a review of consultation and engagement activities to ensure that they maximise resident participation and are representative of Maidstone’s demographic.

 

Increase response rates from underrepresented groups though us of Let’s Talk Maidstone (the Council’s new public engagement platform)

 

Communities, Policy & Engagement team

 

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.

 

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

 

Communities, Policy & Engagement team

 

 

 

 

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer Group

 

 

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.

 

Provide guidance to enable  all staff to support Armed Forces Community

 

Policy, Communities & Engagement team

March 2023

Connections to other plans

 

·         Strategic Plan

·         Communications Plan

·         Recovery and Renewal Strategy

·         Financial Inclusion Strategy

 

 

 

 

As an Employer

 

 

 

Objective

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

Introduce Annual staff EDI survey to identify need and benchmark progress

 

Policy, Communities & Engagement team

Jan 2023

We will look after the mental health of our staff and recognise when this offer needs to change

 

Provide training and support for Mental Health Champions

HR

Ongoing

Connections to other plans

 

·         Strategic Plan

·         Workforce Strategy

 

As a Service Provider

 

 

 

Objective

 

 

 

 

To deliver inclusive services in accordance with Council’s values.

 

 

Commitments

Actions

Responsibility

Timescale

We will use specific and meaningful language when referring to diverse communities

 

Adopt of LGA Inclusive Language Guide

 

Policy, Communities & Engagement team

April 2023

We will support access to services and support through ICT process, communication and join up with partners

 

Proactively use ‘neutral spaces’ to increase access to support and services for residnets

 

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer Group

All Services

 

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

 

Data Analytics team

Dec 2023 (ongoing release)

We will review the Equalities Impact Assessment processes.

 

Include ‘Poverty’ as a local protected characteristic with the EqIA process

 

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.

 

Policy, Communities & Engagement team

 

 

 

Policy, Communities & Engagement team

Dec 2022

 

 

 

 

Review Feb 2023

Connections to other plans

 

 

 

 

·         Strategic Plan

·         Recovery & Renewal Strategy

·         Digital Strategy