Equality and diversity
We have a long-standing commitment to valuing and promoting equality and diversity throughout our work, and to ensuring that our procedures are fair, objective, transparent and free from unlawful discrimination.
In accordance with our statutory responsibilities, we produce an annual Equality Scheme, setting out how we promote – through our functions and policies – race, disability, and gender equality. This is supplemented by an Action Plan which sets out the activities we will undertake to ensure we meet the aims of the scheme.
We have considered the equality and diversity implications of each objective within our Business and Operational Plans, so that any potential adverse impact can be identified and addressed. Progress made in implementing the Action Plan is also monitored as part of the oversight of our business objectives.
We aim to carry out equality impact assessments early in our policy development processes so that proposals can be drawn up in a way that minimises any adverse impact on particular groups.