1. Equalities Parish Council Forum October 22 nd 2013 Carol Chambers, Director for People

2. The Equality Act 2010 Places a Public Sector Duty on Public Bodies to publish information that shows due regard to the three aims of the Equality Duty: Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and any other conduct prohibited by the Act; Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it; Foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic

3. The 9 Protected Characteristics are: Age Disability Gender reassignment Marriage and civil partnership Pregnancy and maternity Race – this includes ethnic or national origins, and nationality Religion and belief Sex Sexual orientation

4. Rutland County Council has signed up to the following cross cutting objectives for 2013/14: Provide help, advice and support to members of the Armed Forces Community. This will involve ensuring that veterans and their families are not disadvantaged. Promote Rutland as a county with facilities that meet the needs of diverse communities. Making everyone who lives, works or visits Rutland feel welcome and catered for. Ensure that all training and development of staff and elected members has a positive impact on the way in which they interact with the community.

5. Key Question for Parish and Town Councils: Has your Parish or Town Council undertaken any equality and diversity awareness training?

6. Useful links… Rutland County Council equalities and equal opportunities and webpage: www.rutland.gov.ukwww.rutland.gov.uk Equality and Human Rights Commission: www.equalityhumanrights.com www.equalityhumanrights.com Diversity in Diction: A guide to the appropriate use of language www.wlga.gov.uk/equalities-publications/a-guide-to-the- appropriate-use-of-language-diversity-in-diction-equality-in-action www.wlga.gov.uk/equalities-publications/a-guide-to-the- appropriate-use-of-language-diversity-in-diction-equality-in-action