Equality policy 2024 to 2026

4.1 We are committed to developing a culture that embeds the effective management of equality, diversity and inclusion both in our day-to-day practices and in our policies and procedures. Implementing the equality objectives is the responsibility of all members of staff across the organisation:

• The Deputy Leader (Cllr Angela Macpherson) will hold Equalities within their portfolio.
• The Corporate Management Team is ultimately accountable for the implementation and monitoring of this policy. They will consider and approve the annual report and corporate equality action plan.
• Service Directors have an essential role in delivering this policy. They need to be proactive in developing a service-led approach to achieving equalities and ensure their staff are adequately trained to meet the requirements of this policy.
• Officers in the Deputy Chief Executive’s Directorate will take a lead in monitoring the delivery of the equalities objectives and coordinating production of the annual report.

4.2 Working with partners in the statutory, voluntary and business sector is a key feature of the Council’s work. It is also an essential part of promoting the general wellbeing of Buckinghamshire’s citizens. The Council has a number of strategic partnerships and it will act as an equality champion and promote equality matters in partnership work.

4.3 Buckinghamshire Council remains responsible for meeting our statutory equality duties and complying with legislation even where functions are carried out all, or in part, by external suppliers. Procurement therefore must be carried out in a way that promotes equality of opportunity, ensuring that services provided through contracts meet the needs of all users through the development of good practice. We therefore expect everyone completing our tender/contract awarding process to demonstrate that they take reasonable steps to ensure access and equal treatment in employment and service delivery. Buckinghamshire Council is also committed to tackling Modern Slavery within the public sector supply chain.