Issue - meetings

Cabinet Member: Leader

Forward Plan Ref: 2024/263

Contact Officer: Tannah Collier, Policy Officer

Tannah.collier@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Report by Executive Director of Resources and Section 151 Officer (CA10).

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to

a)    Agree to adopt the refreshed Including Everyone Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion framework, 2025-2029.

b)    Endorse the data-led approach to implementing the new Including Everyone framework through corporate key performance indicators (KPIs).

Recommendations approved.

The Equality Act (2010) required local authorities to publish equality objectives at least every four years to comply with the public sector equality duty. The previous Including Everyone framework was published in 2020. Cabinet considered a report on the proposed updated framework which was required to be published by the end of 2024.

Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of the Council, presented the report and  highlighted the council's commitment to ensuring that all residents, regardless of their background, had equal access to opportunities and services. The proposed framework outlined several key objectives, including reducing inequalities, promoting diversity, and fostering an inclusive culture within the council and the wider community. Specific goals include improving representation of underrepresented groups, enhancing accessibility of services, and addressing systemic barriers to equality.

During discission, the following points were made:-

• There was a discussion on the importance of data collection and analysis to monitor progress and identify areas for improvement.

• Some councillors raised concerns about the potential challenges in implementing the framework, particularly in terms of resource allocation and ensuring buy-in from all stakeholders.
• There was also discussion about the need for ongoing engagement with diverse communities to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are met.

• The framework received broad support from councillors, who agreed on the importance of promoting EDI and the positive impact it can have on the community.
• Some members expressed reservations about certain aspects of the framework, particularly the feasibility of some of the proposed initiatives and the need for clear accountability mechanisms.

Councillor Leffman moved and Councillor Howson seconded the recommendations and they were approved.

RESOLVED to:-

a)    agree to adopt the refreshed Including Everyone Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion framework, 2025-2029.

b)    endorse the data-led approach to implementing the new Including Everyone framework through corporate key performance indicators (KPIs).