Equality scheme 2011-12 to 2014-15
This is our first equality scheme for Great Britain. Our scheme sets out how we aim to promote equality and diversity as an employer, through our work on effective regulation of party and election finance and when setting standards for well-run elections and electoral registration.
The scheme replaces our previous race, disability and gender equality schemes, and identifies our equality and diversity priorities for the next three years. Our priorities build on our equality and diversity achievements to date, and the action plan attached to this scheme sets out both our ongoing activities and other work we will undertake to meet our priorities.
Northern Ireland equality scheme
We have produced a separate equality scheme in relation to Northern Ireland (PDF) as required by the Northern Ireland Act 1998.
As part of our work in promoting equality and good relations, we carried out an Equality Impact Assessment (PDF) including a public consultation to assess the effectiveness and ease-of-use of our communications work in Northern Ireland.
We are currently consulting on an Equality Impact Assesment on our Recruitment and Selection policy (PDF). The consultation began on 12 December and closes on 7 March.
Welsh language scheme
Darllenwch y Gymraeg / Read in Welsh
We are committed to the provision of a bilingual service in Wales. Our statutory Welsh Language Scheme sets out our commitment to provide our services in Welsh, in accordance with the Welsh Language Act 1993, which states that every public body providing services to the public in Wales has to prepare a scheme setting out how it will provide those services in Welsh. The scheme is prepared according to what is appropriate under the circumstances and is reasonably practicable, and was initially subject to a period of public consultation before being approved.
Our Welsh Language Scheme was formally approved by the Welsh Language Board under Section 14 of the Act on 12 April 2010. It is a statutory scheme and replaced our previous voluntary scheme which had been prepared by the Commission. The scheme applies to all areas of our work and there is an obligation to assess compliance with the Scheme through the production of a monitoring report on an annual basis. Each member of staff within the Commission is responsible for considering the provision of a bilingual service as part of this scheme and in accordance with our equality and diversity policies.
If you would like to discuss any aspect of our Welsh Language Scheme then you should contact Rhydian Thomas, Deputy Head of the Commission’s Wales Office, on 02920 346800 or email rthomas@electoralcommission.org.uk
For further information on Welsh language schemes, please visit www.byig-wlb.org.uk
