Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2021 – 2023

Our approach

The Council is committed to embedding our approach to equality, diversity and inclusion in everything we do. This means our plans and policies, the way we design and deliver services, how we employ and develop staff and most importantly in how we work with our residents is all achieved in a fair and inclusive way that addresses inequalities and reflects the diversity of our borough.

This strategy sets out the Council’s Equality Objectives for 2021 – 2023. We have developed these using data and information about the diversity of the place as well as the views of residents and partners.

We aim to meet the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 and the specific requirements placed on the Council through the Public Sector Equality Duty. This means that the Council has regard to the need to:

• eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and any other conduct that is prohibited by or under the Equality Act 2010;
• advance equality of opportunity between people who share a relevant protected characteristic and people who do not;
• foster good relations between people who share a relevant protected characteristic and those who do not share it.

We have a responsibility as a local authority to publish information to demonstrate how we are meeting these duties as an employer and a service provider and whether there is an impact on people with protected characteristics. Creating an inclusive borough also means recognising that the causes of inequality or exclusion are often inter-connected and mutually reinforcing, such as low income, social isolation, living in overcrowded housing and poor health, but also require a strengths-based rather than deficit approach to address.

Our commitment

We seek to respect, value and celebrate differences among the communities we serve and within our own workforce. These differences include the characteristics protected under the Equality Act but are not limited to these. We recognise other important differences in the backgrounds and life circumstances or experiences of residents, service users and our workforce.

We are committed and determined to deliver fair, accessible, and relevant services. We offer a number of universal services and some targeted, that should be available to all who require them based on the most urgent and pressing need, as Kensington and Chelsea residents.

In promoting fairness and advancing equality, we want to build a strong sense of belonging and pride for everyone who lives in, works in or visits the borough. We want people of all backgrounds to feel valued and able to participate fully in, and contribute to, building a strong community within Kensington and Chelsea.