Why a Single Equality Scheme?
The aim of this single Equality Scheme is to ensure benefits and positive, equal outcomes for our staff and members of the public. This Equality Scheme focuses on the following equality strands: age, disability, gender/gender identity, race, religion/belief and sexual orientation.
At the time of writing, there are no public sector equality duties in place to address age, religion/belief and sexual orientation, although other equality legislation governs these strands. We wish therefore to give the same precedence to these equality strands, reduce the potential for multiple-discrimination and anticipate the provisions in the Single Equality Bill.
This does not however preclude the inclusion of other disadvantaged groups where appropriate into our Scheme and other policies.
Involvement and Consultation to Gather Evidence
Involvement and consultation is important to us. We have consulted and involved as many people as possible from diverse backgrounds with different requirements in the development of our Equality Scheme, including staff, Assembly Members and members of the public. This was done using focus groups, awareness raising e-mails, using our webpages and through direct staff liaison. Other information used in the development of this Scheme and Action Plan includes monitoring employment and recruitment data and the results of our staff equality monitoring survey (see chapter four).
Involving Members of the Public
We did this by:
Running an online consultation for staff and members of the public to comment on the equality priorities (outcomes and actions) identified by our organisation. The information was widely disseminated and was available in alternative formats and in other languages, including British Sign Language (BSL). The results of this informed the development of this Scheme and Action Plan
Sending a mass mail to libraries across Wales and community organisations representing each of the equality strands, inviting comments for consideration
Gathering feedback and suggestions from visitors to the Assembly and the Senedd Building
Working with contacts within under-represented communities to gather evidence and views as to how we can improve our services
Publicising the consultation in community organisations across all of the equality strands; age, disability, gender/gender identity, race, religion/belief, sexual orientation
Engaging with the public at community events
Staff Involvement
Service areas within our organisation were asked to identify their priority equality outcomes and the actions they would need to take to achieve these outcomes. The results of this exercise were included in our public consultation document.
Staff focus groups were held to discuss specific issues concerning the workforce and how we might identify areas where we are effective at service provision and where we might also improve. An all-staff e-mail questionnaire was available for all staff to comment and give their views. Results from this have been incorporated into this Scheme and Action Plan.
Our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) and Disabled Staff Networks provided feedback and contributed to the development of the Scheme. The views of ethnic minority staff have been sought via internal consultation and we anticipate that a staff network will be established to support them.
Our Equality Steering Group provided a valuable source of feedback on equality issues and the development of this Scheme and Action Plan.
The Equality and Access Team also recorded suggestions from staff during the consultation period and gathered feedback from seconded staff from under-represented groups.
Involvement from Trade Union Side (TUS)
The Assembly Trade Unions were involved in the development and finalisation of the Scheme. TUS unequivocally supports the Assembly Commission’s approach to meeting its equality objectives subject to the need to consult on any priorities that might be identified which could impact on staff and where appropriate, agree changes to staff terms or conditions.
Assembly Members and their Staff
Members were invited to respond to a short e-mail questionnaire and provide feedback in the context of the service provided to them and how the Assembly Commission can be an exemplar in promoting equality and human rights. Suggestions have been taken into account in the development of this Scheme and Action Plan.
The Equality and Access Team also receives regular feedback from the Assembly Commission on its priorities for equality. The Assembly’s Equality of Opportunity Committee also scrutinises the Assembly Commission’s progress in meeting its equality objectives and provides feedback at its meetings.
Involving Disabled People in the Development of the Scheme
We have taken into account suggestions from disabled staff and disabled visitors to the Senedd as to how we might improve physical access and access to information and participation. These have been incorporated into our Action Plan.
Our newly-established external Disabled Users’ Forum is made up of disabled people from across Wales and acts as a sounding board for access issues and promoting disability equality.
Involving Black and Ethnic Minority People in the Development of the Scheme
At the time of the development of the Scheme, the National Assembly for Wales was participating in an Assembly Member shadowing scheme with Operation Black Vote. The participants from Black, Asian and ethnic minority groups were invited to comment on the Scheme and its development and we asked how we might engage with ethnic minority people, widen participation and attract potential employees. We are grateful to the participants for disseminating our information among their local ethnic minority groups and feeding back information to us. We also took translated copies of our consultation document to a number of ethnic minority groups inviting comment. Suggestions have been incorporated into the Scheme and Action Plan.
We are currently scoping an Assembly and Local Government Mentoring Scheme for under-represented groups built upon our experience of hosting the Operation Black Vote Shadowing Scheme.
Monitoring Feedback
We monitor requests for accessible formats of information, access audit information and user-testing of new and existing facilities and equipment. The Equality and Access Team also receives visitor/staff feedback on policies and services, including comments from visitors to the Senedd.
We also have a formal system in place to deal with complaints. All complaints are monitored and we use this information to improve our working practices where appropriate.
Evidence from Equality Impact Assessments
Policies, strategies and procedures are equality impact-assessed and evidence from this process is used to develop, discard or change a policy or strategy.
Reviewing our Previous Race, Disability and Gender Equality Schemes
Relevant and ongoing actions from our previous race, disability and gender equality schemes and action plans have been reviewed and incorporated into our Action Plan.
Whilst reviewing the previous schemes, we identified the need in future, to focus on our key priority equality outcomes and actions
