North East Derbyshire District Council: Equality Consultancy

Equality Works were commissioned by North East Derbyshire District Council (NEDDC) to carry out an audit of Equality and Diversity. This involved providing a programme of consultancy support to help the council progress rapidly from Level 2 to Level 3 of the ESLG.

Beginning work with NEDDC in July 2007 we also had to be sure that the Council could effectively manage Equality and Diversity in the future without growing the staff resources needed to achieve this aim.

The initial audit involved establishing the Council’s current level of Equality and Diversity performance and identifying areas of good practice. We did this by reviewing and analysing available data and materials, including equality schemes and strategies, and consultation and community strategies. This also involved undertaking consultation with senior and service managers, with particular reference to Level 3 of the Equality Standard for Local Government.

At the end of this stage we presented a report of current strengths and a gap analysis showing areas for improvement, and how these gaps might be closed to enable the Council to meet its aims. The Council then agreed a measurable, budgeted programme of work that would allow them to meet their objectives.

The associated programme of consultancy followed and was tailored to the recommendations and areas of improvement identified in the audit report. This work encompassed a range of support, including:

• One to one and small group coaching sessions with service managers on equality impact assessment;
• Delivery of half-day training sessions for front-line staff involved in collecting equality monitoring information; and
• A review, report and recommendations on incorporating equality objectives and targets in service plans.

In addition, we provided general advice and guidance to build expertise and capacity in effectively managing Equality and Diversity. By reviewing equality policies and schemes we made recommendations to improve the Council’s performance in preparation for audits, including linking the equality scheme to the corporate plan and consultation processes.

By working in partnership with our client, we established a positive working relationship that helped the Council achieve its aims for moving towards Level 3, achieved in May 2003. The Council has subsequently been recognised as moving from a ‘weak’ to an ‘excellent’ council in record time.

The Council was able to complete equality impact assessments, further develop arrangements for consultation with equality groups, improve equality data collection and incorporate equality objectives and targets into their service plans.