We are launching a six-week consultation to gather views on our new draft Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (EDI).
The consultation runs from today, 12 October until 22 November and will give residents the opportunity to review and submit their comments on the draft strategy.
Our objectives for the Strategy are to:
- Foster good relations with and within the community
- Develop and support a diverse workforce
- Develop, commission and deliver inclusive and responsive services
Following the consultation, responses will be collated and incorporated into the Strategy which will be presented to People and Health Overview Committee in the new year.
Councillor Peter Wharf, Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, said:
“Dorset Council is a relatively new organisation and while we have worked hard on various aspects of equality and inclusion, we also know we lack a coherent strategy and vision.
“We want to develop and support a diverse workforce which uses accreditations like Disability Confident, Stonewall and Mindful Employer which will allow us to become an employer of choice and an organisation which is a role model for others.
“This draft Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy is a very important step for us which shows commitment to providing a supportive environment for our employees, residents and visitors which is free from discrimination, as well as taking more action on the matter.
“We need to re-energise the conversation around equality and inclusion and sharpen our focus on what it means in Dorset, and what we must do as a council to respond.”
The consultation is open for comments until 22 November.
To view the new Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and take part in the consultation, visit www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/edi-strategy
