Issue - meetings

Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Policy (09/2023) Update

Purpose:

To consider the Council’s Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Policy and Procedure following legislative updates.

Recommendations:

That Cabinet resolves to:

1. Approve the Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Policy and Procedure, which has been rewritten to incorporate the Supreme Court Ruling.

2. Approve care experience to be treated as if it were a protected characteristic as many care-experienced people face discrimination, stigma and prejudice.

3. Delegate authority to the Chief Executive Officer to make minor and necessary amendments to the EDIE Policy, enabling timely updates that do not alter the policy’s strategic intent.

Additional documents:

Decision:

The purpose of the report was to consider the Council’s Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Policy and Procedure following legislative updates.

Councillor Mike Evemy, Leader of the Council introduced the report in Councillor Bloomer’s absence and highlighted that the purpose of the updated Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Policy was to reflect recent legislative changes, providing practical guidance for managers and staff, supporting fairness and consistency across the Council, and helping to protect the Council against legal claims.

The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Mike Evemy and seconded by Councillor Tony Dale.

Resolved that Cabinet:

1. Approved the Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Policy and Procedure, which had been rewritten to incorporate the Supreme Court Ruling.

2. Approved that ‘care experienced’ be treated as if it were a protected characteristic as many care-experienced people face discrimination, stigma and prejudice.

3. Delegated authority to the Chief Executive Officer to make minor and necessary amendments to the EDIE Policy, enabling timely updates that would not alter the policy’s strategic intent.

Voting record:

7 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions.

Minutes:

The purpose of the report was to consider the Council’s Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Policy and Procedure following legislative updates.

Councillor Mike Evemy, Leader of the Council introduced the report in Councillor Bloomer’s absence noting that it represented a substantial and important piece of work supporting both the Council’s operations and the wellbeing of staff. It was highlighted that the purpose of the updated Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Policy was to reflect recent legislative changes, including a Supreme Court ruling, providing practical guidance for managers and staff, supporting fairness and consistency across the Council, and helping to ensure that the Council’s policies were values-led, legally robust and clearly applied.

The revised policy strengthened the Council’s approach to fairness, dignity, and respect, providing a clear, practical framework for managers and staff, including clarity on roles and responsibilities. Members welcomed the inclusion of care experience as a recognised protected characteristic, reflecting an understanding of the barriers and stigma faced by some care-experienced individuals. The policy reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to maintaining an inclusive and supportive workplace culture on issues such as menopause and gender identity, recognising the impact on confidence, attendance, performance, and wellbeing.

Officers advised that further guidance was expected through an upcoming Code of Practice and that the policy would be reviewed accordingly. The policy also incorporated recognition of care-experienced individuals, with a fuller definition to be provided. Members noted that the update aligned with broader HR and organisational objectives to support staff and ensure equitable treatment.

At the recommendation of Cabinet the following text was added to the EDIE Policy and Procedure: “Care experienced" is an umbrella term describing any individual of any age who is currently in care or has spent time in the care system at any stage of their life, regardless of duration. People with care experience are individuals who have spent any time in the care of their local authority, including foster care, residential homes, kinship care (with relatives), or even supported at home, and this term also covers those adopted from care or unaccompanied asylum seekers, serving as an umbrella term for those who have been 'looked after' at any point in their lives, from childhood through adulthood.”

Cabinet placed on record thanks to the officers involved for their detailed and careful work on this complex policy update.

The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Mike Evemy and seconded by Councillor Tony Dale.

The recommendations were put to the vote and agreed by Cabinet.

Voting record:

7 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions.

Issue - meetings

Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Policy (09/2023) Update

Meeting: 08/01/2026 - Cabinet (Item 183)

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