Equality Framework for Local Government

Equality Framework for Local Government

The Equality Framework for Local Government (EFLG) is a performance and improvement framework to enable local authorities to embed and mainstream equalities across the organisation. It builds on and develops the work councils have done on the old Equality Standard for Local Government (ESLG). The new framework consists of three levels (developing, achieving, and excellent) instead of five under the old standard. Authorities need to demonstrate key achievements under each of the new Levels.  In addition, there are five key components to the new Framework which are called the Five Areas of Change Management: which are:

Knowing your community - The framework emphasises the importance of understanding and knowing communities we serve. 'Knowing our communities and equality mapping' will provide the evidential basis for developing our services to meet the needs of our communities.

Leadership, partnership and organisational commitment - The framework identifies strategic leadership - both political and managerial - as a key to improving equality outcomes. The framework also emphasises working in partnership with neighbouring authorities, local primary care trusts, the police and fire and rescue services and the voluntary and community sector.

Community engagement and satisfaction - The framework emphasises community engagement and involving local communities in the development of policies and services and decision making process. In particular this relates to groups who may experience disadvantage and inequality such as Faith, Black Minority Ethnic and Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender groups.

Responsive services and customer care - Service provision, whether provided directly, procured or commissioned, remains a central function for local authorities. The framework will help authorities personalise services to meet the needs of people with different backgrounds and ensure fair access.

A skilled and committed workforce - The ability to deliver responsive, personalised services will depend in a large part on the composition, skills, understanding and commitment of a workforce which represents the community we serve. The authority should be working towards improving in areas of under representation, for example, implementing plans to improve representation of women and Black and Minority Ethnic (BAME) officers at senior levels.

Our progress

Following an internal peer assessment in 2008, the Council declared achieving Level 4 of the old Equality Standard for Local Government. The Council has made a commitment to work towards achieving the 'Excellent' level of the framework.