Equality Duty
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is a local authority incorporated under the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973. Like other Scottish local authorities, the Comhairle is a “most purpose” authority, with duties and powers covering a wide range of activities. We want all our citizens to be able to use our services and join in with the life and work in the Western Isles. We want to make sure no one loses out because of who they are or the life choices they make. Equality is about everyone having access to: Public services; jobs; Independent living; education; and public life and the democratic process
The public sector equality duty (or general duty) in the Equality Act 2010 (“the Act”) came into force in 2011. It means Scottish public authorities must have ‘due regard’ to the need to: eliminate unlawful discrimination; advance equality of opportunity; and foster good relations. In 2012 Scottish Ministers made regulations that placed specific duties on Scottish public bodies to help them meet the general duty. These are also known as the Scottish Specific Duties. Our What is Equality? section provides a summary of the Act and the specific equality duties.
As the Comhairle is a listed public authority subject to the specific equality duties it is required to publish a mainstreaming report (which includes employee information); equality outcomes, prepared using involvement and evidence; gender pay gap information; and a statement on equal pay and occupational segregation in relation to gender. The reports are made available to the public on our Equality Outcomes and Mainstreaming Reports and Equality Policies, Plans and Performance Reports webpages.
Before we make decisions about our services, we look at evidence to see if there could be any good or bad effects on people’s equality and human rights; and sustainability and the environment. We then think about how to improve the service. This is called an impact assessment. The tool we use is called an integrated impact assessment (IIA). The Comhairle is required to make available and publish all the results of its impact assessments.
Listed below are a few links to external resources that you may find of benefit.
Equality
Disability Equality
If you have any queries about Equality and Diversity, please contact us by email at: [email protected] or [email protected]; telephone: 01851 600 501; or post:
Human Resources and Performance
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Sandwick Road
Stornoway
Isle of Lewis
HS1 2BW
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