Issue - items at meetings - Progress Report on the Workforce Equalities Action Plan

Report of the Executive Director for Finance & Resources (copy attached).

That the Committee note the progress made against the Year 1 Action Plan, as set out in paragraphs 3.7 - 3.10 and Appendix 1.

That the Committee approve the Year 2 Workforce Equalities Action Plan set out in Appendix 2.

12.1      The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director for Finance & Resources in relation to the Progress Report on the Workforce Equalities Action Plan. The report sought to update the Committee on the progress that had been made against the Year 1 Action Plan and seek approval for the work it was proposing to carry out in Year 2; this followed issues raised in the Council commissioned assessment of race equality in employment carried out by Global HPO.

12.2      The Chair welcomed this positive work, and hoped it would encourage further building of trust.

12.3      Councillor Randall referenced the BME needs assessment work that had been undertaken, and added that Global HPO had been enthusiastic about this work. He extended congratulations to the Communities Team, and added that this work had first begun during his time as Leader. The work stood out an example of real partnership working that made the city stand out positively.

12.4      Councillor Sykes agreed with the comments made by Councillor Randall, and referenced the report to note that the work was recognised by the trade unions and workers forums.

12.5      Councillor Warren highlighted the award the Scrutiny Team had received in relation to the Trans Scrutiny, and stated that the report would allow the Council to make long term commitments to facilitate the city becoming more diverse.

12.6      Councillor Shanks noted there would be reporting in schools where there was further work to do as BME numbers were increasing.

12.7      Councillor Peltzer Dunn complimented the work of Officers for the positive manner they proposed proceeding with this work.

12.8      The Chair put the recommendations to the vote.

12.9      RESOLVED:

(1)          That the Committee note the progress made against the Year 1 Action Plan, as set out in paragraphs 3.7 - 3.10 and Appendix 1.

(2)          That the Committee approve the Year 2 Workforce Equalities Action Plan set out in Appendix 2.