Equality policies and procedures
Read the policies and procedures which set out our approach to equality and diversity.
Equality Policy
The Council's Equality Policy is the cornerstone of our approach to equality.
Equality Scheme & Objectives 2012-2016
The Council's Equality Scheme & Objectives set out our plans to improve outcomes for all people living in the Reigate and Banstead area as well as those working for the Council.
Equality data monitoring
To help us to better understand our service users, we have introduced a Corporate Equality Monitoring form, which is available to download below. The questions on this form may be asked as part of a one-off survey, or as part of an application form for a Council service.
Equality monitoring questions are always voluntary, and we understand that not everyone will be comfortable answering all of questions - however, answering them will help us to improve services for all our residents and customers.
Monitoring equalities is essential to understanding who our service users are. It tells us how policies and decisions affect different people in different ways. It is important to monitor who our service users are so that we can determine whether certain groups experience disadvantage and how we can address that disadvantage. Monitoring service users can also help us understand if certain groups of people are not using a service. We can then take steps to understand why, and take action to improve the accessibility of the service.
All equality monitoring information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence and no information such as names or addresses will be used in collating statistical data.
The Council will only use the data for the production of anonymous statistics, to help us achieve our equality objectives and to monitor the fairness and effectiveness of our service delivery or employment practices.
Equalities complaints
Customers have the right to make a complaint or request information from local authorities under the Equality Act 2010.
The Government Equalities Office has created forms which can be used to make a complaint or request information under the Equality Act if an individual feels he or she has been subject to discrimination. These are called "Equality Act Prohibited Conduct Question and Answer Forms."
The questions form is for completion by someone who feels they have been treated unlawfully under the Act ("the complainant") to help them get information from the person or organisation ("the respondent") he or she feels has discriminated against, harassed or victimised him or her. The answers form is for completion by the respondent to reply to the complainant's questions.
These forms and the accompanying guidance document can be downloaded from the Government Equalities Office website.
Equality related complaints will be dealt with in accordance with the Council's Complaints Procedure.
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Last updated : 27/03/2012
