City of York Council’s Executive will be asked to approve a new Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy for the council later this month, on 15 July.
The strategy sets out the council’s approach to EDI, supporting the Council Plan priority on Equalities and Human Rights to provide equality of opportunity for all and ensure that residents and visitors can benefit from the city and its strengths.
The development of the strategy is linked to other recent areas of action including the re-establishment of the Human Rights & Equalities Board, the council’s adoption of the Social Model of Disability and its Anti-Racism Action Plan and Gypsy and Traveller Action Plan.
It also builds on the city’s designation and partnership working around York’s status as a City of Sanctuary, Human Rights City and pledge to be an Anti-Racist City, together with growing cross-partnership strengths in these areas.
The strategy aims to help the council deliver services that are equally accessible to all customers; fulfil its obligations to consider how its work affects diverse communities and to reduce disadvantage for people with protected characteristics.
The strategy also sets out the council’s approach to EDI in the workplace and will help guide staff in their day-to-day work.
The draft strategy was updated in response to feedback from a public consultation earlier in the year, which received approximately 500 responses from residents and organisations.
The consultation included dedicated focus groups with people with protected characteristics, including people with learning difficulties; older people; young adults; neurodivergent people; and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Of the responses received, one in five respondents reported having experienced or witnessed intolerance or discrimination from the council, with three out of four agreeing that the council’s services are accessible to all its communities.
A draft action plan has been created on each of the key elements of the strategy to ensure timely and measurable progress is made.
Councillor Katie Lomas, Executive Member for Finance, Performance, Major Projects, Human Rights, Equality and Inclusion, said:
We want York to be a place that celebrates diversity and includes everybody in the life of the city by ensuring they have access to the same opportunities and experiences.
“Equalities and Human Rights are a core commitment within our Council Plan. We’re committed to achieving continuous improvement and equity across all our services and functions.
“While the results of the recent consultation show that we still have more work to do to ensure that all the members of York’s diverse communities feel seen and heard, we look forward to continuing to work with colleagues, partners, community groups and local people to tackle discrimination, harassment and victimisation in all its forms.”