Ceredigion County Council approves Strategic Equality Plan 2024-2028
On 19 March 2024, Cabinet approved Ceredigion County Council’s Strategic Equality Plan 2024-2028. This is the Council’s fourth Strategic Equality Plan; it describes how it will continue towards the aim to meet its commitment to equality and how it will meet its duties set out in the Equality Act 2010.
All public authorities must publish a set of objectives and a plan that describes what they will do to reduce inequality and to address prejudice and discrimination. Ceredigion County Council’s equality objectives are outlined below:
- To be an exemplar equal opportunities employer
- To foster good relations and tackle prejudice
- To ensure engagement and participation
- To ensure dignity, respect and access to services
- To provide fair and inclusive education
The plan was developed following a regional engagement campaign and a public consultation. It also takes into account the Council’s commitment to Welsh Government’s Anti-racist Wales Action Plan. The equality objectives will be achieved through 34 actions which include cultural awareness and equality training for the workforce; providing housing that meets the needs of Ceredigion people; continuing to offer play and physical activity opportunities for disabled children and young people; and implementing its Welsh in Education Strategic Plan.
Another action is to develop the membership of Ceredigion Disability Forum, which meets every three months. If you would like to join the group, or would like to know more, please contact the Council by phoning 01545 570881 or emailing clic@ceredigion.gov.uk.
In April, the Equalities and Inclusion Team, together with Ceredigion Actif, attended Aberystwyth Pride. This was part of the Council’s commitment to see a more equal Ceredigion. They were joined by Hywel Dda Health Board and Aberystwyth University, in addition to local charities and businesses to show their support for the LGBTQ+ community to promote equality and diversity.
It was a successful day, and included over 20 stall holders, performances from local queer artists, and Aberystwyth rock band Misha and the Kings. There was also a parade along the Prom to honour and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community in Aberystwyth.
Councillor Catrin M S Davies is Ceredigion’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Customer Services, and is also the Council’s Equality Champion. She said: “Ceredigion County Council is keen to support events like this, and it is part of the Council’s wider commitment to see a fairer, more equal Ceredigion as set out in our Strategic Equality Plan. Other commitments include ensuring that relevant museum collections celebrate diversity and encourage anti-racist engagement, implementing an age-friendly action plan that reflects the needs of our ageing population and establishing an LGBTQ+ stakeholder group.”
Ceredigion’s first LGBTQ+ stakeholder group met in May and will meet again in September. If you would like to join the group, or would like to know more, contact the Council by phoning 01545 570881 or emailing clic@ceredigion.gov.uk.
To find out more about Ceredigion Council’s Strategic Equality Plan, visit the Council’s webpage > Strategic Equality Plan & Objectives.