The Executive considered a report in respect of the proposed Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Action Plan.
In response to a Member’s question about how the Action Plan would be rolled out regarding safeguarding responsibilities under the Children’s Act, the Operations Director stated that it would be part of the work that would be progressed this year (as outlined in the Action Plan) regarding protected characteristic groups, including engagement with disability groups and children and young people. In acknowledging the Council’s requirements under the Equalities Act around children and young people, having an Action Plan of this nature demonstrated that it recognised the needs and issues faced by this group, and was striving to address and tackle those issues in a positive way.
It was RESOLVED:
1. That the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Action Plan, as set out at Appendix A to the report, be approved.
2. That an EDI progress report and updated EDI Action Plan be brought back to the Executive in Autumn 2024.
3. That the Stevenage Equalities Commission (SEC) Recommendations Report and SEC Legacy Group Action Plan, as set out in Appendices B1 and B2 to the report respectively, be noted.
Reason for Decision: As contained in report.
Other Options considered: As contained in report.