Equality objectives
We are committed to promoting equality and valuing diversity. We encourage fairness and ensure everyone has equal chances to work, learn, and be free from barriers, discrimination, or victimisation.
We are committed to promoting equality and valuing diversity. We encourage fairness and ensure everyone has equal chances to work, learn, and be free from barriers, discrimination, or victimisation.
The Combined Authority aims to be a national leader in equality, diversity, and inclusion.
We celebrate the differences among all the people we serve, work with, and employ. We commit to the highest standards in Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion in the following ways:
The West Yorkshire Combined Authority is aware of the Supreme Court's recent clarification on the Equality Act and the protected characteristic of 'sex.' We await further guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
As a public sector organisation, we respect our legal responsibilities and the protections in the Equality Act. We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive region for everyone.
We continue to work with local authority partners to ensure consistency in policies and practices across West Yorkshire.
The Equality Act 2010 replaced and unified previous equality laws from the Race Relations Act, the Sex Discrimination Act, and the Disability Discrimination Act.
Visit the Equality and Human Rights Commission website for further information.
The Equality Act places a 'Public Sector Equality Duty' on authorities like the Combined Authority. This duty includes eliminating discrimination, advancing equality of opportunity, and fostering good relations among people.
We set objectives to achieve specific equality outcomes. Our equality objectives for 2022-2025 are:
We consider the equality impact of new projects and services or significant changes in existing projects/services. We assess impacts early to embed equality, diversity, and inclusion from the start, using a consistent analytical approach based on best practices. We analyse a wide range of information about people, places, and regions, including users and employees.
An Impact Assessment is not just a formality; it is a process to ensure we use resources effectively to advance equality, diversity, and inclusion. The form records our considerations and the evidence behind our recommendations or decisions.
By integrating equality, diversity, and inclusion into our daily operations, we show our commitment to the Public Sector Equality Duty. The three main elements are:
Having due regard means:
The Equality Act 2010 protects against discrimination, harassment, and victimisation based on specific characteristics:
We recognise that individuals may belong to more than one protected characteristic and consider intersectionality. The Act also protects against discrimination by association, which applies to those who may face discrimination because they are associated with someone who has a protected characteristic.
