Decision details

Cabinet received a report highlighting the progress made in advancing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) across the council since the introduction of the EDI Action Plan for 2023-24, whilst also looking to the Council’s proposed EDI actions for next year as part of the EDI Action Plan for 2024-25.

In presenting the report, the Portfolio Holder for Stronger Communities thanked the officers involved in producing the Action Plan.  He was also pleased to inform Members that the first Stevenage Equalities Commission Conference would be held on 15 October at the Gordon Craig Theatre where Leaders, Organisations and Advocates would be coming together to tackle the critical issues of race and equality.

Cabinet welcomed the report and the proposed approach particularly in the work that would be undertaken linking with communities.  Members looked forward to the October Conference but were keen to ensure that other protected characteristics such as disabilities, gender and sexual orientation would all be looked at in the same detail in due course.

It was RESOLVED:

1.               That the progress in the delivery of the EDI Action Plan in 2023-2024 (Appendix A), be noted and agreed.

2.               That the revised EDI Action Plan for 2024-25 (Appendix B) be noted and agreed, and that the Strategic Director (RP) be given delegated authority to agree a final version of the action plan in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Stronger Communities and the Leader of the Council.