Issue - meetings

To consider the additional information added to the Equal Opportunity Policy as requested at Council on 15th June 2015.

(Report attached)

Members were asked to consider, for recommendation to full Council, a draft Equal Opportunity Policy.  This report had previously been delayed at full Council in order for some minor alterations to be made.

It was noted that the Policy applied to all staff who worked for the Council, including those employed on a temporary or part-time basis, or on work experience.  Appendix 2 had been added to the Policy which clarified the position in relation to Local Authority Members.  Specific exemptions applied for agency and contract workers and Appendix 4 detailed some of the legislation which worked in conjunction with the Policy, including the Agency Worker Regulations 2010.  Section 4 of the Policy had also been expanded to set out the position for workers under 18 years of age. 

The policy would be reviewed at least every two years or sooner to comply with changes to the law or policy and practice.  Union representatives had been consulted on the Policy and amendments had been made as a result.

RECOMMENDED that

the Equal Opportunity Policy, as appended to the report, be approved and adopted.