1. Vision : Provider of Choice Mission : Changing lives through meeting our customers’ aspirations Equality and Diversity update Gemma Bradley (Standards and Innovation Manager)

2. E&D Update Vision : Provider of Choice Mission : Changing lives through meeting our customers’ aspirations Next Steps E&D Group update The Story So Far… Equalities Act Initial Observations

3. E&D: The Story So Far… E&D Strategy developed in 2010 EIAs of Equity’s services E&D working group set up May 2010 E&D Board / Exec champions established Vision : Provider of Choice Mission : Changing lives through meeting our customers’ aspirations

4. E&D: Why do we care? 1.We want to Provider of choice Best Companies Equity’s values 2.We have to Equalities Act 2010 TSA (HCA) Regulation Vision : Provider of Choice Mission : Changing lives through meeting our customers’ aspirations

5. E&D and regulation TSA Standard – Tenant Involvement and Empowerment Expectation that providers treat people in a fair manner irrespective of their background Annual reports should demonstrate how we are meeting the needs of diverse communities Equalities Act - Public sector duty (general) Vision : Provider of Choice Mission : Changing lives through meeting our customers’ aspirations

6. Equalities Act 2010 Brings together race, gender and disability equality duties Proportionate approach according to size Protected characteristics –Gender –Race / ethnicity –Disability –Age –Religion or belief –Sexual orientation –Marriage and civil partnership –Gender reassignment –Pregnancy and maternity Vision : Provider of Choice Mission : Changing lives through meeting our customers’ aspirations

7. Are we a public body? Current case law – functions of a public nature (the tests) Is the body subsidised by the State? Does the body have special intrusive powers by law, such as the power to apply for an anti-social behaviour order? Does the body work closely with local government to help the local authority achieve its duties under the law? Is the body providing a public service of a type which only the Government would normally provide, such as housing at below market rents? Vision : Provider of Choice Mission : Changing lives through meeting our customers’ aspirations

8. Public Sector Duty General duty and specific duties Indication that general duty applies to HAs General duty Requires public bodies to have due regard to the: 1.Need to eliminate discrimination, harassment and victimisation 2.Need to advance equality of opportunity 3.Need to foster good relations In the course of developing policies and delivering services Vision : Provider of Choice Mission : Changing lives through meeting our customers’ aspirations

9. Observations Single Equalities Scheme Strategy / Action Plan alignment Actions actions everywhere! Positive progress – all staff trained E&D Group needing focus and revamp Culture not there yet Vision : Provider of Choice Mission : Changing lives through meeting our customers’ aspirations

10. E&D Group update What we want for Equity: Provider of choice / employer of choice / growth Legal and regulatory compliance A strong reputation Trained and knowledgeable staff E&D culture and staff champions High customer satisfaction – whoever the customer Vision : Provider of Choice Mission : Changing lives through meeting our customers’ aspirations

11. E&D Group update E&D Group responsibilities: Developing framework Ensuring adequate policies in place Scrutinising action plan delivery Information sharing with teams Championing E&D Challenging inappropriate behaviour Points of contact for staff Vision : Provider of Choice Mission : Changing lives through meeting our customers’ aspirations

12. Next Steps Combine action plans Work on key priorities Support the E&D Group Social Housing Equalities Framework E&D Strategy Review Policy Reviews Service Reviews E&D a project for now. Later: business as usual Vision : Provider of Choice Mission : Changing lives through meeting our customers’ aspirations

13. And finally… Board diversity monitoring Protected characteristics Sheets to fill in – will be posted tomorrow Vision : Provider of Choice Mission : Changing lives through meeting our customers’ aspirations

14. Thank you for listening Any further comments, please contact: Gemma Bradley gemmab@equityhousing.co.uk 0161 486 7610 Vision : Provider of Choice Mission : Changing lives through meeting our customers’ aspirations