Equality, diversity and inclusion

We recognise that all individuals have fundamental human rights and welcome the diversity of the community living, working and learning in the borough.

As a service provider and major employer, we're committed to promoting equality and inclusion. You can find out about this in our equality, diversity and inclusion policy. You can also read our equality policy in easy read format.

We operate monitoring and evaluation systems to make sure that the needs of customers and employees are identified and addressed appropriately.

As a provider of services we'll develop and provide relevant, appropriate and accessible services to be inclusive of our diverse community.

As an employer we'll create a safe and supportive working environment. We'll develop an inclusive workplace where the individual differences and contributions of everyone are recognised and valued.

As a partner we'll support good decision-making by encouraging understanding of how people are affected by policies and services. We'll take a lead in fostering good relations between different groups and enter into agreements and partnerships that actively promote equality and inclusion.

Equality Act 2010

The Equality Act 2010 protects people from discrimination in the workplace and in wider society. It sets out the different ways in which it's unlawful to treat someone.

The Act also sets out a range of duties that public bodies, including Barnsley Council, must comply with. These duties make up what is called the Public Sector Equality Duty. 

The aims of this are that public bodies should:

  • eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and other conduct prohibited by the Act
  • advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not
  • foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not

The protected characteristics are: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion/belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

The Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties and Public Authorities) Regulations 2017 requires public bodies to publish one or more objectives that will help them to achieve any of the aims mentioned in the Public Sector Equality Duty. 

Our equality objectives

We have five equality objectives that are integrated into our Council Plan. They link to our priorities that were based upon engagement with our communities, residents, businesses and employees. Our plan is supported by a range of work we'll deliver in order to meet our objectives. This means our equality objectives will be monitored, regularly reviewed, and are at the heart of everything we do. 

We'll publish an annual equality, diversity and inclusion report to show how we're achieving our equality objectives.

Reports and action plans

Alternative formats

If you'd like our policy, reports or action plans in an alternative format, please contact us.