Equalities

Our approach to equality and diversity

We recognise that equality and diversity is not a parallel process or something to think about once a year. It is an absolutely fundamental part of improving services for everyone and of our vision to become the ‘living city of opportunities’ for everyone. It is nothing to do with ticking boxes or bureaucracy, and everything to do with making Westminster a place where anyone can be happy to live or work. It is central to delivering high quality customer services in the heart of London. We identify and actively address inequality, where evidence shows that it exists.

This diversity and the changing nature of Westminster’s population makes Westminster a culturally and socially rich City, which benefits from the different experiences, perspectives and respect for others that this diversity brings.

This diversity also presents challenges. The best services are those services that are designed and delivered for the local community. In a diverse and constantly changing city, such as Westminster, this means we have to embed an understanding of equality and diversity into everything the Council does (that is recognising people’s different needs, situations and goals, and removing the barriers that limit access and achievement) if we are to meet and balance the needs of all these groups of people.

Our duties

Under the Equality Act 2010, we have a duty to due regard to the need to:

• eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and any other conduct prohibited by the Act;

• advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it; and

• foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it.

The protected characteristics covered by the Equality Duty are:

• age

• disability

• gender reassignment

• marriage and civil partnership (but only in respect of eliminating unlawful discrimination)

• pregnancy and maternity

• race – this includes ethnic or national origins, colour or nationality

• religion or belief – this includes lack of belief

• sex

• sexual orientation

Under the Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties) Regulations 2011 we also have a duty to publish information annually which demonstrates how we are meeting and advancing the aims of the general public sector equality duty.  We also must set equality objectives and review them at least every 4 years.

The information on the following pages includes information on how Westminster City Council is meeting its duties under the Equality Act 2010 and the Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties) Regulations 2011.

The Westminster Equalities Partnership (WEP)

WEP is a strategic partnership of Westminster City Council, NHS Westminster (NHSW), Voluntary Action Westminster (VAW), Westminster Community Network (WCN) and an Independent Chair who all work together to improve outcomes for the most vulnerable and marginalised Westminster residents. Click here for the WEP website.

If you would like to find out more about equalities at Westminster City Council please contact Lucy Capron on lcapron@westminster.gov.uk or 020 7641 4340.