Swansea Council is preparing to lead by example in a bid to continue the eradication of discrimination and the promotion of equality in Swansea.
With Cabinet backing, trade unions are to be consulted on a new draft Equality Policy.
It sets out the Council’s continued intent to provide jobs and services with equal fairness, respect and dignity.
The Council wants to ensure people are treated fairly and according to their needs and not their age, disability, gender, race, religion, beliefs, sexual orientation or language preference.
Cllr Mary Jones, Swansea Council Cabinet Member for Business Improvement and Efficiency, said: “This statement aims to confirm the Council’s longstanding commitment to equality and to provide a platform for future progress in this area.
“All Council staff and Councillors will be responsible for making sure that what the Equality Policy statement promises is achieved.”
Swansea Council plans to lead by example by making sure all its employment policies, procedures, guidelines and circulars reflect and reinforce equality.
For example the draft Equality Policy statement puts a duty on staff and Councillors to ensure no one is unfairly discriminated against when applying for a job or during their employment.
It also puts a duty on the Council to encourage equal opportunities and to actively promote good relations in the community.
Services should be offered fairly to all and conditions, procedures or behaviour which could lead to discrimination should be eliminated.
The Council’s Cabinet has approved the Equality Policy statement for formal consultation with trade unions.
The move updates and develops the existing Council Equal Opportunities Policy in line with the latest legislation.
