Equalities in the Somerset Branch
Nationally, UNISON introduced branch equalities officers some time ago to lead on equalities work in branches. In 2009 UNISON conference created a new role of workplace equalities rep, with the aim of making sure every workplace has one. Please watch the video
Once we start seeing equality as integral to everything, we can look at how to embed it into what we might think are 'other' areas of work. For instance, we might be losing chances to challenge outsourcing because we're not making sure that we ask public sector employers to consider their duty to prevent discrimination when they're making any changes.
Documents sent out to Equality Networks
- The NEW UNISON guidance on the public sector equality duty.
- Survey for those who have experienced stalking.
- Two new papers on parental leave, equal pay and flexible working.
Please follow this link which is an appalling backward step in terms of progress for LGBT rights and also heralds the possibility of further erosion of equality law.
Equality Legislation - Briefing
sent to all South West MPs from Equality South West
The LGBT committee will consider a motion for national conference on this issue. If anyone would like to assist then please send your draft
to any of the LGBT convenors.
Using the equality duties to make fair financial decisions If a public authority chooses not to undertake an EIA, then some alternative form of analysis which
systematically assesses any adverse impact of a change in policy, procedure or practice will be required What the law requires now Under equality legislation, public authorities have legal duties to pay ‘due regard’ to the need to
eliminate discrimination and promote equality with regard to race, disability and gender, including
gender reassignment, as well as to promote good race relations. Self Organised Groups Conferences - see
the poster for details Equalities South West welcomes the new
Equalities Act The EHRC are very positive about the Government abolishing the
default retirement age. Read the
letter from the commission Read the letter from UNISON Education
about Equality Impact Assessments and Restructuring Please read the press release sent out by Fairplay South West
following their meeting on Monday 12 April 2010 The new Equalities became law in April 2010, the government has produced
an easy to read booklet Read the latest Equalities News Information
Assessing the impact of proposed changes to policies, procedures and practices is not just something
the law requires, it is a positive opportunity for public authorities to ensure they make better
decisions based on robust evidence.
Such assessment does not necessarily have to take the form of one document called an Equality Impact
Assessment (EIA), although this is what we recommend as it is likely to help public authorities:/p>
The duties are legal obligations which should remain a top priority, even in times of economic
difficulty. Failure to meet the duties may result in authorities being exposed to costly, time-consuming
and reputation-damaging legal challenges
The law requires that this duty to pay ‘due regard’ be demonstrated in the decision making process.
Assessing the potential equality impact of proposed changes to policies, procedures and practices is
one of the key ways in which public authorities can show ‘due regard’.
It is also important to note that public authorities subject to the equality duties are also likely
to be subject to the obligations under the Human Rights Act. We would therefore recommend that public
authorities should consider the potential impact their decisions could have on human rights