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Councils plan action on equality and diversity

19/04/2012

Senior figures in local government from across Northern Ireland came together at Hillsborough Castle today to launch an Equality and Diversity Strategy and Action Plan. The Local Government Staff Commission hosted the event in partnership with the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, and the launch was also addressed and attended by Councillors and local government staff from across Northern Ireland.

Jane Morrice, Deputy Chief Commissioner of the Equality Commission and Chair of the Equality and Diversity Group, said: “The Strategy and Action Plan we are launching this morning will support and assist local councils to ensure equality of opportunity and good relations in the three main areas of their work – as an employer, a service provider and as civic leaders.“

“This initiative is building on the good work which has been done in tackling issues involving gender and disability over the past few years. “ Ms. Morrice said. “This will now be extended to serve all areas of equality and diversity. The Equality and Diversity Group will provide a forum of support and networking for elected members and officer champions.”

“The Strategy and Action Plan highlights the commitment to equality and diversity across the current twenty-six councils and the reform of local government which is now imminent represents a unique opportunity to build these values into the new structures as they are formed,” Jane Morrice said.

Mervyn Rankin, Chair of the Local Government Staff Commission for Northern Ireland, said: “As Chair of the Commission, I recognise that councils face major challenges in the current economic climate. It is our role to assist local government to meet these challenges where every individual is able to fulfil their potential and make their contribution to society, with an emphasis on promoting equality and diversity in an integrated way.”

The initiative has been developed by the Equality and Diversity group, made up of representatives from local government, the Local Government Staff Commission, the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, the Community Relations Council, Disability Action, the Equality Coalition and the trade union NIPSA.