Thank you for visiting the equality and diversity section. We hope you find the information you need, but if not please contact Ann Webster (Equality and Diversity Manager) on telephone 01332 255384, minicom 01332 258427, fax 01332 255520 or email ann.webster@derby.gov.uk.
You can also make an enquiry or comment by completing the form at the foot of this page.
Contents
See also: Equality Impact Assessments
February 2010 is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender history month. View the LGBT History Month flyer 
(353kb, 1 page) for a list of events.
Going for excellent
Equality and diversity are very important to us at the Council because it means we try to do our best to make sure people are treated fairly and given fair opportunities. We value the cultural diversity of all Derby people as this adds richness to our city, which we are very proud of.
Everyone has different needs and equality is about meeting these different needs. We also realise that we need a diverse workforce so we can provide the best possible services to all our community.
We are very proud to have achieved the Equality Standard for Local Government Level 3 Equality Mark and now we are working to achieve excellent in the new Equality Framework for Local Government, which has now replaced the Standard. This new framework is based on three levels of achievement – 'developing', 'achieving' and 'excellent', rather than the five levels of the old Standard. There are five areas for us to work on and these are:
- knowing your communities and equality mapping
- place shaping, leadership, partnership and organisational commitment
- community engagement and satisfaction
- responsive services and customer care
- a modern and diverse workforce
Our work towards excellent in the Equality Framework is co-ordinated by our Equality and Diversity Task Group, which is a group made up of council officers from around the council and supported by our Assistant Director Group and Chief Officer Group. You can download the Terms of reference for Equality and Diversity Task Group 
(14kb, 2 pages).
You also can read more information about the new Equality Framework for Local Government (765kb, 106 pages).
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Equality and Diversity Policy
Our Equality and Diversity Policy sets out our guiding principles on equality and diversity and our Equality and Diversity Plan is about how we are going to put our policy into practice. We have adopted the social model of disability and this helps us in recognising and removing barriers for disabled people. Download and read the full Equality and Diversity Policy (223Kb, 20 pages).
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Equality and Diversity Plan 2009-2012
Having an equality and diversity policy is not enough on its own and it is important that we have a plan to make our policy come to life. So, we have a three-year Equality and Diversity Plan, which all council departments have signed up to.
Equality groups in the city have been actively involved in putting the Plan together including our Minority Ethnic Communities Diversity Forum, Disabled People's Diversity Forum, Gender and Sexuality Diversity Forum, Voices in Action – our young people's forum, our LGBT – lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender Employee Network, Black Employee Support Network and Disabled Employees Network. We have also had contributions from the LGBT Network recently launched in Derby.
We have included the requirements for Race, Disability and Gender Equality Schemes in our Plan, but also include actions for religion or belief, age and sexuality. Download the full Equality and Diversity Plan 2009-2012 (595kb, 99 pages).
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Review of 2005-2008 Equality and Diversity Plan
We have produced a review of the actions we did in our last Plan and you can download a copy: Making a difference – review of Equality and Diversity Plan 2005-2008 (403kb, 154 pages).
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Working in Partnership
As well as working closely with voluntary and community organisations in the city we are also part of Derby Equality and Diversity Network – a network of people from the statutory and voluntary sector who work on equality issues. We meet to share good practice, benchmark each other and also put on events such as equality impact assessment workshops. Each year we produce a multi faith calendar with the help of Derby University's Student's Union. You can go to the group's website called Derby Equality and Diversity Network 
. From here you can download a copy of the multi-faith calendar.
Equality in Employment
Derby is a very diverse city and so we need a diverse workforce to make sure we offer the best possible and accessible services to everyone. We have job seekers registers for disabled people and minority ethnic people to help them apply for jobs with us. They receive vacancy sheets and also help and support in applying for jobs. We have also set up a project to try to address the shortage of Pakistani people working for us, compared to other groups. Find out more about the job seekers scheme.
We are proud to be Stonewall Diversity Champions and together with our LGBT Employee Network we are preparing to enter the top 100 Equality Index.
Each year we publish equality employment statistics to see how we are doing and where we need to improve:
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Employee Networks
At Derby City Council we have three Employee Networks:
- Black Employee Support Network (BESN)
- Disabled Employee Network (DEN)
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Employee Network (LGBT)
The employee networks offer help, advice and support in a friendly and safe environment. The networks are supported by the Council's directors and managers.
Together, the networks help:
- promote equality and diversity at the Council
- remove barriers in the workplace and in service delivery.
For more information telephone 01332 255695 or 01332 255384 or minicom 01332 258427 or email:
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Useful Websites
- Equality and Human Rights Commission – the Equality and Human Rights Commission champions equality and human rights for all. It works to get rid of discrimination, reduce inequality, protect human rights and to build good relations, making sure everyone has a fair chance to participate in society.
- Stonewall - Works to achieve legal equality and social justice, for lesbians, gay men and bisexual people.
- Press for change - Campaigns for dignity and respect for all trans people.
- Disability Direct - Help and information service for disabled people.
- Derbyshire Friend - Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender support service.
- Derbyshire Association of Blind People - Help and support for visually impaired people.
- Beehive Community Forum - The Derbyshire Beehive hosts a number of websites for local not-for-profit groups and organisations.
- Karma Nirvana - Help and support for people surviving forced marriage and honour based violence.
- Hadhari Nari - Help and support for all women experiencing domestic violence. The centre addresses the needs of Black, Asian and other minority ethnic women.
- Improvement and Development Agency (IDEA) - Section on equality and diversity.
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