Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is committed to promoting the equality and diversity agenda. We aim to help shape the borough into a place where no-one experiences inequality or discrimination because of their race, disability, gender, age, sexual orientation, faith/belief or gender identity (sometimes referred to as transgender). These seven groups are known as “equality strands” and everyone, regardless of their background or personal circumstances is protected. There are a set of laws called the Public Sector Equality Duties which the council must comply with, but Basingstoke and Deane is also committed to the ethics of equality and opportunity as a way of creating an open and inclusive society.
In 2006 the council published the Corporate Equality Plan which contained information and objectives regarding equality and diversity. The Corporate Plan contained three full equality schemes and action plans on disability, race and gender as well as summary statements about sexual orientation, faith and belief and age. The Corporate Plan covered a three year period and is now due for review. Until the new Equality Scheme is fully developed and ready for publication, the council will continue to work to the commitments outlined in the policies below. A draft Single Equality Scheme has been developed, which is currently being consulted on with community groups, key partners and is available online for general comments. Closing date 25 June 2010.