Equality and diversity
Last updated: 03 December 2012 15:31What do we mean by Equality and Diversity?
Equality means ensuring that all our workforce, residents and visitors are treated fairly and are given the same, as much as reasonably possible, life chances. One way of achieving it is through provision of equal access to the services and employment opportunities we offer. However, it is important to understand that equality is not about treating everyone in the same way, as people have different needs that may need to be met by considering individual circumstances. Therefore, the council takes positive action, wherever possible, to design and deliver services based on specific needs of a segment of our community, for example, people with disabilities or older people.
Diversity is about recognising and championing individual differences of our workforce, residents and visitors. Diversity is closely linked to equality as it is through understanding and valuing differences between the peoples of Portsmouth that equality can be furthered.
Our commitment to equality and diversity
The Local Strategic Partnership’s Vision for Portsmouth 2008-18 is for the city to be perceived as:
‘The premier waterfront city, with unrivalled maritime heritage - a great place to live, work and visit'.
Promotion of equality and championing Portsmouth’s diversity are an integral part of this vision. Our Equality and Diversity Strategy 2010-13 sets out our aims of making Portsmouth a fairer and more inclusive city and the means of their delivery. We are working closely with our partners from local public services, businesses and voluntary organisations to achieve these.
The Strategy is a continuance of the council’s commitment to ensuring that diverse needs of Portsmouth’s residents and visitors are considered and addressed in the day-to-day activities of the council.
As part of the Equality and Diversity Strategy 2010-13, we have developed a Single Equality Scheme Plan. It sets out a number of goals that are to be achieved by individual services across the council, or services working together, in order to address the gaps in the council’s approach to equality and diversity as identified by the Strategy. These objectives are regularly monitored and new ones are added when a need arises.
Contact us:
Equality and diversity team
- Tel: 023 9268 8957 or 023 9283 4789
- Email: equalities@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
