Race Equality

The council is committed to an approach that values equality and diversity. We are committed to ensuring that we provide a working environment that harnesses the different perspectives and skills of everyone, is free from discrimination, harassment or victimisation and in which all receive fair and equal treatment.

Following the Stephen Lawrence enquiry, the government amended the law on race relations. The Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 places an obligation on public organisations, such as councils, to have in place a Race Equality Scheme (RES). The Isle of Wight Council’s RES has been in place since 2003, and has now been replaced by this document following a review.

The new legislation provides clear directions and requirements for all public sector organisations to improve the way they consider and deliver race equality across the services that they deliver to their communities.

In keeping with the changing population profile of modern Britain and that of the Island’s, we are working to ensure that we deliver services that meet the needs of the local community.

The council recognises its responsibility of serving a diverse population and aims to ensure that there is equality of opportunity for all Island residents, whatever their background.

The Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 outlawed race discrimination in public authorities, and imposed a general duty to promote equality of opportunity and good relations between people of different racial groups. The duty places race equality at the centre of policy-making, service delivery and employment practice. Equality and diversity is a responsibility for everyone and must be embedded into our daily work, irrespective of which department we work in.

Under the ‘general duty’ public authorities must:

• Eliminate unlawful racial discrimination;
• Promote equality of opportunity; and
• Promote good relations between people of different racial groups.

To ensure improved performance of the ‘general duty’, ‘specific duties’ have also been introduced covering policy, services and employment.

As part of its commitment to race equality the Council has introduced the requirement for services to carry out equality impact assessments as part of the annual team plan and service planning processes, these impact assessments address the wider equality and diversity and social inclusion agenda and are now firmly embedded into the performance management process of the council.

The Isle of Wight Council Race Equality Scheme

Race Equality Scheme

For further information: www.equalityhumanrights.com