5. Our Supporting Policies, Structures and Processes
In order to reduce the risk of unlawful discrimination we have a number of supporting policies, structures and processes in place, in addition to this policy. These include:
- An Equality Impact Assessment guide for staff and councillors and related form to help analyse the effects our policies and services have on people.
- Recruitment standards, a behaviours framework and learning and development opportunities.
- Recruitment practice which involves considering all vacancies for flexible working at the point of recruitment.
- Flexibility in our flexi time policy which allows greater work/life balance.
- Unacceptable Customer Behaviour Policy, Bullying and Harassment Policy for staff and Code of Conduct for councillors.
- Discrimination/harassment as gross misconduct under the Conduct Policy and a Grievance Procedure for staff.
- Procedures for reporting incidents of discrimination and Hate Crime and a Hate Crime strategy.
- Feedback (complaints) procedure for customers.
- Communication standards including policies and guidance for translations, interpreting and alternative formats.
- Disability access improvement plans for buildings.
- Procurement/commissioning standards and clauses.
- Supporting guidance and information, including information about community needs, views and profiles, which are published on our website.
- Performance reporting on equality.
- A member and officers with designated responsibility for leading on equality, raising awareness and building capacity within the organisation.
- External scrutiny and consultation arrangements commissioned with voluntary and community sector organisations (including the Equality Partners Group).