Equality Scheme: 2020-2024

Torridge District Council ("the Council") aims to treat its residents, customers, councillors and employees fairly and with respect. To achieve this, the Council considers people's different needs when making decisions and providing services.

The Council will:

• Ensure everyone receives a fair service;
• Make public information accessible to all our customers;
• Provide an environment that promotes dignity and respect;
• Eliminate intimidation, bullying or harassment;
• Better understand the local community in order to provide improved services; 
• Provide equality training for its employees and Councillors; and
• Promote and make available this policy to all.

The Council, in line with the Equality Act (2010) will:

• Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and other conduct prohibited by the Act;
• Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not; and
• Foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not.

The Council has also chosen to consider implications for those suffering from socioeconomic disadvantage; this can include people on low incomes, as well as rural and urban deprivation. As the District of Torridge consists of 984 square kilometres (380 square miles) rurality is a particular consideration for the Council.

The Council provides equality training for councillors and employees so they can understand and promote equality in the Council's day to day business and is committed to progressing equality over the next 4 years.

Protected Characteristics

• Age
• Disability
• Sex
• Gender Reassignment*
• Marriage and Civil Partnership
• Pregnancy and Maternity
• Race
• Religion/Belief
• Sexual Orientation

* Before, during and after transition. The Council understands there are many different identities which fall under the trans umbrella, including identities outside of the gender binary.

Objective 1

Design and deliver services that meet the needs of the communities we serve. By understanding that our customers come from different backgrounds, and encouraging others to do the same, we can improve the quality of life for everyone by ensuring people who live, work and visit Torridge are treated fairly, with respect and are given the same chances and opportunities.

Objective 2

As an employer we ensure that every possible step is taken to make certain that our staff are treated fairly and equally and that decisions in recruitment & selection, training, and promotion are based on objective criteria and that reasonable adjustments are made to meet individual needs where feasible.

Objective 3

Where a third party provides goods, services or works on our behalf, we will ensure they have policies, procedures and practices that do not discriminate and they will deliver goods, facilities and services that are appropriate and accessible. We will monitor contracts and service agreements to ensure they meet their equality commitments.