Equalities and Diversity Strategy Group
There is a strong history of partnership working in the Highlands. The Highland Community Planning Partnership Equality and Diversity Group works to promote equality and diversity in Highland by developing joint activities, engaging with local groups with an interest in equalities, and by gathering data and sharing information.
We want a fairer Highland which recognises the strengths of a diverse population, and where all people get the services and support that they need. There are many benefits that can be achieved by agencies and groups working together to promote equality and diversity.
The partnership group aims to:
- Promote equality of opportunity
- Eliminate unlawful discrimination
- Eliminate unlawful harassment
- Engage and involve equality groups
- Provide services that are sensitive to the needs of individuals
- Promote positive attitudes to diversity
We will achieve this through partnership working to:
- Achieve efficiencies where possible
- Provide a platform for information exchange so partners can share best practice, whilst respecting issues of confidentiality.
- Encourage efficient use of resources, or otherwise promotes a more effective delivery of services.
- Allow partners to Identify collate and share information sources relating to equality and diversity.
The Highland Community Planning Partnership Equality and Diversity Group includes:
- The Highland Council
- NHS Highland
- Northern Constabulary
- Highland Fire & Rescue Service
- Highlands & Islands Enterprise
- UHI Millennium Institute
- Scottish Natural Heritage
- Voluntary Action Highland
- Highlands and Islands Equality Forum
The following action plan shows the key objectives of the partners to achieve these aims during 2024 - 2024
|
Objective |
Action |
Outcome |
|---|---|---|
|
1) Individuals and groups working towards the delivery of the Single Outcome Agreement will embed issues of Equality and Diversity in the work that they do |
The group will provide information sessions on how to assess the work of the Highland Community Partnership for the impact of partnership activities on equality groups. Offer advice as required |
Achieving aims 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 Activities are assessed for relevance to, and impact on, equalities. There is evidence to show partners develop services free from discrimination. Community engagement events suggest that equality groups within the community are able to access services free from barriers. |
|
2) The Hate Free Highland system to report and monitor hate incidents and crimes is used by the community. The data received leads to the reduction of prejudice and discrimination in the community |
Third party reporting organisations participate in training. Regular reports will be made to the Equality and Diversity group. Systems and protocols will be set up. Continue to promote the HFH campaign |
Achieving aims: 2, 3 Incidents reported increase Third Party Reporting Organisations are used for support The data from the reporting is analysed and there is evidence to show what actions have been taken. |
|
3) Equality groups and individuals in the community are engaged with the work of the partnership and are supported with capacity building activities. |
Series of events are held throughout summer and autumn of 2024 to:
begin to recognise the priorities for equality groups who use our services |
Achieving aims 4, 5, 6 Individuals from equality groups start working alongside staff from partnership organisations to help shape services. Partners equality schemes can evidence effective engagement activities with equality groups |
