The Equality Standard for Local Government

‘We value service improvement through innovation, learning and development’

The Equality Standard for local government was launched in 2001 and is now adopted by 90% of all local authorities. The Standard recognises the importance of fair and equal treatment in local government services and employment. It has been developed primarily as a tool to enable local authorities to mainstream age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation into council policy and practice at all levels. It is a voluntary Best Value Performance Indicator – councils report the level they have reached (there are five levels).

Following a review of the Standard in 2005/6, IDeA are now preparing the revised version which is due to be placed on their website early in 2007.

Until this is produced, local authorities can continue to use the original Equality Standard and report against that for their 2006/7 BVPI returns, but it should be noted that authorities reporting level 1 should be including the strands of age, sexual orientation and religion/belief in their level 1 commitment. Those local authorities reporting level 2 or above in their 2006/7 BVPI returns, have until March 2009 to incorporate the additional three equality strands into the work of the Equality Standard.

The standard is a self-assessment tool that councils can use to measure their own progress. Under the revised Standard, external assessment is required at levels 3 and 5. Those local authorities that are reporting level 3 or level 5 against the Equality Standard can request a validation in order to receive the Equality Mark Award.

TLS Associates Ltd can help you with advice, guidance and support in your work to progress against the levels of the Standard.

‘We value service improvement through innovation, learning and development’