Welcome to the Swindon Borough Council Equality & Diversity Web Pages

The Council's Commitment to Equalities

Swindon Borough Council is committed to equality of opportunity for the whole community and believes that the diversity of the community is a major strength which contributes to the social and economic prosperity of the area. In April 2004 the Council agreed an equalities strategy and policy called Fairness for All which underpins all of our work.

Swindon Borough Council aims to ensure that as an organisation we promote equality in the way our services are delivered and in our employment practices. In addition, we want to create an environment whereby potential and existing members of staff feel welcomed, developed and able to fulfil their potential.

Swindon Borough Council is committed to creating an environment whereby no one is discriminated against on the basis of their:

• Age
• Disability
• Gender
• Race
• Religion
• Sexual Orientation

Achievements:

• Since 1998 the Council has supported five community based coalitions, encouraging local people who are often not heard, to be given a way to talk with the Council. The five coalitions are: the Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Coalition, the Older People’s Coalition, the Disabled People's Coalition (through the Swindon Coalition of Disabled People), the Race Coalition, and the Women’s Coalition.
• The Council has currently achieved level 3 of the Equality Standard for Local Government, and is working towards level 4.
• The Council implemented its first Race Equality Scheme and Action Plan in 2002. We have implemented our first Disability and Gender Equality Schemes and are working towards having a integrated scheme covering all three areas.
• The Council supports a Black and Asian Workers Support Group.
• The Council has been accredited as "Positive About Disabled People" in recognition of our good practice in employing Disabled people...

Rights and Responsibilities

We believe that making our equality principles mainstream in all that we do means that there are rights and responsibilities for our staff and those who use Council services.

Your Rights

• Provide an equal and accessible service to all sections of the community
• Provide clear information about our services
• Work with local organisations and groups in partnership
• Encourage you to be involved in our decision making
• Deal with complaints fairly and efficiently.

Your Rights

• Make sure that all staff and job applicants are treated fairly and equally
• Work towards having a workforce that represents our community
• Value and respect all our employees
• Make sure the workplace is free from discrimination and harassment
• Provide an accessible workspace where possible
• Encourage all employees to reach their full potential
• Deal with complaints fairly and efficiently.

Your Responsibilities

• Not accepting discrimination
• Challenging discrimination whenever it occurs
• Making sure that all our services are delivered fairly...