Equality scheme go-ahead

Date published: 26/06/2008

Greater Manchester Police Authority is a step closer to becoming the first in the country to adopt a scheme which places equality and diversity at the heart of all its work.

GMPA’s single equalities scheme (SES) aims to reduce the inequalities people experience by making issues of race, age, sexual orientation, gender, disability, faith and belief a consideration at all times.

This means these issues will be considered in everything the authority does from the creation of a new policy to the hosting of an event.

The SES is currently in draft form and at the authority’s most recent meeting members agreed it was an area of work they endorsed and would like to see progress.

Majid Hussain, the authority’s lead member for equality and human rights, said: “Recognising and respecting the diversity of people’s needs and enabling equality of opportunity for all is at the heart of the ambition of the scheme.

“That applies as much to our staff as to those who we serve as an authority and those people whose needs and views we represent in our role to oversee the police service.”

Now the SES draft has the backing of members it will be developed and will be constantly monitored and amended.

Authorities such as councils and police authorities have a duty to produce equality schemes around race, disability and gender.

Under the Police and Justice Act 2006, introduced in March, those duties were extended to consider how equality and diversity is promoted generally.

To find out more about the SES or to receive a copy of the draft contact Karen Edwards .

Email: karen.edwards@gmpa.gov.uk

Tel: 0161-793 2698