Equalities
Key areas of work for equality
2.1 Equality Strategy
2.2 Equality Public Service Agreement
2.3 Equality Bill
2.4 Departmental Single Equality Schemes and Initiatives
2.1 Equality Strategy
Work with the Government Equalities Office on producing a co-ordinated strategic approach to equalities across Government.
Outcome: An effective approach is embedded into the work of Government departments so that they have a solid equality-based foundation on which to build policies and initiatives which impact on the lives of disabled people.
Why: The Government Equalities Office is working to produce a co-ordinated strategic approach to equalities across Government.
How: We will work with the Government Equalities Office to help them to develop a first position paper reporting on progress since the Equalities Review, and drawing together current Government activity. We will ensure that disability issues and the rights of disabled people are reflected and addressed during this process.
Timescale: the position paper will be published by summer 2008.
2.2 Equality Public Service Agreement
Work with the Government Equalities Office to review the evidence of the equality performance indicators in the Equality Public Service Agreement.
Outcome: That disability equality is adequately understood by key individuals in the Government Equality Office and that relevant and measurable performance indicators are developed and agreed.
Why: The Government Equality Office is responsible for devising a list of performance indicators through which Government will effectively measure the delivery of equality for disabled people.
How: We will work closely with officials within the Government Equality Office. Advice based on the views of disabled people will be submitted both verbally and in writing.
Timescale: Complete by end of June 2008.
2.3 Equality Bill
Engage with the Government Equalities Office as the new Equality Bill is prepared.
Outcome: That the proposed legislation enshrines the rights of disabled people and will be effective in delivering those rights.
Why: Equality 2025 made a significant contribution to the consultation on the Single Equalities Bill during 2007, and we want to play a key role in the ongoing development of the Equalities legislation.
It is essential that disabled people’s views are not marginalised as this bill is further developed. Our input is needed to ensure that the Bill reflects those views.
How: Equality 2025 will ensure that disabled people’s views are taken into account by expressing their view to the Bill team about the inclusion of essential elements, including enforcement procedures.
Timescale: Dependent on Government Equalities Office timescales, and those of Parliament.
2.4 Departmental Single Equality Schemes and Initiatives
Work with the Cabinet Office and the Department of Work and Pensions on advice to all government departments.
Outcome: Improved departmental single equality schemes which reflect and address disability equality issues.
Why: Many departments are developing a single equalities scheme with the aim of ensuring that equality issues are embedded in everything they do. Equality 2025 has been asked by both the Cabinet Office and the Department for Work and Pensions to provide advice on disability equality and how to effectively mainstream disability equality initiatives within a single equality scheme.
How: Equality 2025 will develop an Advice Note which will support government departments to formulate their single equality schemes. The Advice Note will be drawn up by working with the Cabinet Office and the Department for Work and Pensions. It will establish principles which will be disseminated effectively throughout government.
Timescale: Complete by end of September 2008
Page last reviewed: 11 August 2008