Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy updated
An Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy for St Albans District has been updated to cover the next five years.
Residents, businesses and community groups helped shape the document by giving their views in a public consultation and focus groups.
Among those who contributed to the research were Hertfordshire Police, schools, faith leaders and community diversity champions.
The strategy will influence St Albans City and District Council’s major policies and decisions for the years to 2029.
It outlines the vision and priorities of the Council in promoting equality, inclusion and fairness within the District and will be supported by an annual Action Plan.
Its implementation will be overseen by the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Partnership whose members include representatives from the Council as well as the wider community.
The updated strategy was approved by Councillors at a meeting of the Housing and Inclusion Committee on Wednesday 6 November.
It contains six pledges including a commitment by the Council to challenge racism and discrimination in whatever form it takes.
There are also promises to help people who are lonely and to ensure that people who need the most help get the support they need.
Councillor Sarwar Shamsher, Lead for Inclusion, said after the meeting:
I am delighted that the Committee has approved the strategy which will influence our work over the next five years.
In conjunction with the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Partnership, we have listened closely to people’s concerns and responded by setting out our priorities and plans.
The strategy has the support of voluntary, community and faith groups and that will be vital in ensuring the success of our work and our mission to make the District an even more inclusive place to live and work.
Full Council will be asked to give final approval to the strategy, which can be viewed here in draft form, at its meeting on Wednesday 4 December.
Three priorities have been identified for the Council in its Action Plan for 2025. These are engaging better with children and young people; tackling digital exclusion; and ensuring communications are accessible to all.
Cllr Shamsher said:
We will be focusing on key areas where we can make a real difference to the lives of people who might feel neglected at times.
That includes people who in this internet age might feel left behind because they have difficulty accessing the internet and operating a computer or smart phone.
We will be looking at the measures and practical steps we can take to deal with these priority issues.
- More information and accessible formats of the strategy, including an Easy Read version, is available from Peggy Sharp, the Community Engagement, Equality and Grants Officer, on 01727 819340; equality@stalbans.gov.uk.
Contact for the media: John McJannet, Principal Communications Officer, 01727 819533, john.mcjannet@stalbans.gov.uk.