Putting equalities into action will help build the great future we all want for Argyll and Bute.
These were the words of Councillor Rory Colville, Policy Lead for Corporate Services, following approval of the council’s Equalities Mainstreaming Report 2019.
The report sets out the council’s progress in embedding equality in its day-to-day work.
Progress includes producing an action plan to support the use of British Sign Language and so help deaf/deafblind people access services; expanding membership of the Council’s Equality Forum to include partner organisations; and establishing a combined equality and socio-economic impact assessment process.
Equality as a legal duty relates to nine protected characteristics of race, disability, sex, age, sexual orientation, religion and belief, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity
Councillor Rory Colville, Policy Lead for Corporate Services, said: “Good equalities practice is more than the right thing to do. It is important for the future of Argyll and Bute.
"This area has a long history of attracting people from elsewhere to help build our economy and our communities. With our population falling, we need to do that again.
"Being welcoming and respectful of everyone will help us attract the people and skills we need to make Argyll and Bute thrive into the future.
"Understanding the value of equalities and putting good practice into action is important for us all.”
More information on equality is available on the council’s website.