Equality information and our commitment to you

Find information on The Equality Act, the type of information we publish and how we are achieving our equality and diversity goals.

The Equality Act

The Equality Act asks all councils to provide a range of information on equality.

The Act says that councils have a duty to bring equality into their day-to-day business and across all functions. Colchester Borough Council we have a duty to:

  • eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and other conduct prohibited by the Act
  • Provide equal opportunities 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

Publishing information about Equality

At least annually, all council must publish relevant information to show that they meet their Equality Act duties in full.

Type of equality information we publish

We must publish equality information about people who share a relevant 'protected characteristic' and who are:

  • affected by the Council's policies and practices, such as people who use our services
  • employees

Protected characteristics

The duty covers the following eight 'protected characteristics'.

  • Age 
  • Disability 
  • Race 
  • Religion or belief 
  • Pregnancy and maternity 
  • Gender reassignment 
  • Sex and sexual orientation 

How we are fulfilling our duty

Service users and employees

The Council produces an annual report which summarises progress made in meeting the Council's statutory duties and achieving its equality and diversity objectives.

We complete equality impact assessments (EqIAs) for policies, procedures and practices that have an impact on users and employees.

Equality Impact Assessments

The Council's Strategic Plan shows we intend to improve the quality of life for all residents.

The Council's Strategic Plan

Councillors consider the equality and diversity implications of the Council's policies and services as part of the decision making process.

Equality and Diversity is also a key Cabinet responsibility.

Workforce information

We provide information about our approach to equality and diversity in for our employees. We also publish monitoring of data, including gender pay gap figures, to help ensure the diversity of our borough is fully represented through the services that we deliver.

Working at Colchester Borough Council – Things you need to know

National and specialist resources

We use national and specialist resources help us identify equality priorities and information. They provide more information about equality and diversity at a broader level.

For equality information in other formats, contact the Equality and Diversity Officer