Agenda item

To consider the joint report of the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment and the Director of Strategy and Resources presenting the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Annual Report 2023 – 2024. The report includes a first full year update on progress against the 15 high level priorities contained in the Vision and Action Plan for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion alongside the annual update against the Equality Improvement Priorities. The report also provides a range of wider information including the statement of the Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Board entitled, ‘Workforce Equality, Diversity and Inclusion’ for the Board’s consideration.

The Director of Strategy and Resources and the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment submitted a joint report presenting the Council’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Annual Report 2023 – 2024. Following the Council’s adoption of a new Vision and Action Plan for EDI in February 2023, the report included a first full year update on progress against the 15 high level priorities contained in the Action Plan for EDI alongside the annual update on the Equality Improvement Priorities.

The Executive Member introduced the report and in doing so, highlighted key aspects and recommendations, which illustrated the breadth of work being undertaken by the Council in relation to EDI. The issues of poverty and health were highlighted as major factors which continued to impact upon individuals in this area. Noting the update provided on LGBT+ Inclusive Leeds, it was highlighted that there was an intention to broaden the communities covered through the ‘Inclusive Leeds’ initiative.  It was also noted that the report presented the statement of the Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Board entitled, ‘Leeds City Council Workforce Equality, Diversity and Inclusion’ for the Board’s consideration.

Regarding the proposed updating of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy to include ‘Care Experienced’ as a locally protected characteristic, it was noted that the Executive Member was to chair a cross-party Member implementation group on such matters.

In considering the report, a Member highlighted the value of the relevant Scrutiny Board having the opportunity to analyse this data in detail.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the Equality Diversity and Inclusion Annual Report 2023 – 2024, as presented at Appendix 1 to the submitted report, be approved;

(b)  That the adoption of the LGBT+ Inclusive Leeds approach for 2024/29, as presented at Appendix 2 to the submitted report, be approved;

(c)  That the refreshed approach to the Equality Assembly, as presented at Appendix 3 to the submitted report, be approved;

(d)  That the new Equality Improvement Priority relating to Leeds being a Carer Friendly City to replace the previous priority on responding to the impacts of Covid 19, a detailed at Appendix 4 to the submitted report, be adopted;

(e)  That the updated Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy, which now will include ‘Care Experienced’ as a locally protected characteristic, as detailed at Appendix 5 to the submitted report, be approved;

(f)  That the refreshed Zero Tolerance Statement, as presented at Appendix 6 to the submitted report, be approved;

(g)  That the conclusions and recommendations of the Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Board Statement entitled, ‘Leeds City Council Workforce EDI’ as presented at Appendix 7 to the submitted report be noted;

(h)  That it be noted that the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment is responsible for the implementation of the resolutions made by Executive Board in respect of Appendices 1-5 of the submitted report;

(i)  That it be noted that the Director of Strategy and Resources is responsible for the implementation of the resolutions made by Executive Board in respect of Appendices 6-7 of the submitted report.