Equality and diversity in the workplace

Treating people equally is essential to being an effective and productive organisation. The introduction of equalities legislation has resulted in the removal of many inequalities within the workplace. Councils now aim to make equalities central to their employment practice. This is to ensure a diverse workforce that reflects the communities they serve. 

The EU's Council Directive (2000/78/EC) establishes a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation. It covers discrimination against people at work on the grounds of age, disability, sexual orientation and religion or belief. The Local Government Employers (LGE) works with councils, regional employers and other bodies. The LGE leads and solves problems on pay, pensions, the employment contract, and offers relevant guidance.

Local Government Employers – links to information on equality and diversity legislation

In respect of gender, race and disability, public authorities have a general and specific duty to proactively promote equality throughout their activities. They must demonstrate how they intend to achieve this through an equality scheme that they are legally obliged to produce. Additionally, there are specific duties regarding employment. 'Equality and Diversity Guidance and Practice' offers information and useful links relating to these duties.

Equality and Diversity Guidance and Practice

Equality and diversity in employment can also be encouraged by working through the:

Equality Framework for Local Government

The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) aims to improve employment relations by supplying up-to-date information, independent advice and high-quality training. Areas include equality and diversity issues; working with employers and employees to solve problems and improving performance.

ACAS – for more information on the website

The Skills for Business Network offers a website to give employers information, advice and a practical toolkit to help address equality and diversity issues within their companies.

Skills for Business Network – for more information on the website

Investors in People UK is a non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS). The Investors in People Standard focuses on equality of opportunity in the context of learning and development, as well as addressing specific areas. These include the culture of the organisation, recruitment and selection, and how an organisation promotes and values equality and diversity.

Investors in People UK – for more information on the website

The Audit Commission has developed a report entitled 'Tomorrow's People: building a local government workforce for the future'. This looks at recruitment and retention pressures currently facing councils in the light of demographic and other changes. It contains case studies of good recruitment and retention practice to help other councils improve their own workforce strategies.

Tomorrow's People: building a local government workforce for the future – for more information on the Audit Commission website

Career progression: BAME representation

Read about the ‘Yes we can programme' which examines how local authorities are assisting career progression and development for black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) staff. The resource will feature ‘good practice’ content and will aim to disseminate case study material on how to increase BAME representation at middle management level and above.

Yes we can – advancing black, Asian and minority ethnic staff in local government

For details of legislation relating to equality and diversity

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) offers guidance on equal treatment. This includes what to do about discrimination on the grounds of disability, age, gender, religion or belief, sexual orientation or race.

EHRC – for more information on the website

The IDeA’s publication 'Legislation at a Glance' provides a round-up of all the equality and diversity legislation that public bodies must be aware of. It also offers external links to the full legal texts.

Legislation at a Glance

Page published April 2009.