Since 2002/2003 local authorities have been required to report annually against the level of the equality standard they have achieved.
The Equality Standard was developed in partnership between the Commission for Racial Equality, the Disability Rights Commission, the Equal Opportunities Commission and the Employers’ Organisation for Local Government, with assistance from the Audit Commission and the Local Government Association.
The Standard provides a generic framework through which local government can address its legal obligations under anti-discrimination law and promote best practice in equality and diversity.
The Standard’s five levels promote best practice systems in equality and diversity:
- Level 1–Commitment: to a Comprehensive Equality Policy; and to the concepts of equality and diversity
- Level 2–Engagement: through assessment and consultation
- Level 3–Performance Setting: setting equality objectives and targets
- Level 4–Performance Monitoring: information systems and monitoring against targets
- Level 5–Performance Review: achieving and reviewing outcomes.
The Standard requires best practice in the following areas:
- leadership and corporate commitment
- consultation, community development and scrutiny
- service delivery and customer care
- employment and training. the quality of that achievement.
Alnwick is working in partnership with other District councils and Northumberland County Council in a bid to get to Level 2 of the ESLG by September 2006. We are making good progress against that aim.
Equalities targets are challenging and are regularly monitored. Performance is monitored both at service and corporate level and is also scrutinised by the Chief Executive, Management Team and Members.