Equalities diversity and inclusion in BHP

Introduction

In October 2010, the Equality Act 2010 came into force.  This act brought together a number of legislations making it stronger to help tackle discrimination and inequality.  Overall this is now referred to as Equality Diversity and Inclusion or EDI.

The protected characteristics now cover age, disability, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion or belief, pregnancy and maternity, gender reassignment and marriage and civil partnerships.

Within the Act there is a requirement for organisations providing services to the public, to:

• Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and other conduct prohibited by the Act
• advance equality of opportunity 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.

The aim under the 'general' duty is for public bodies to consider the needs of all individuals in their day to day work, in developing policy, in delivering services, and in relation to their own employees. 

BHP's 6 core objectives: 

1. Ensure our Board, Staff, Contractors, Resident Representatives and Partners understand their obligations to champion equality and diversity
2. ensure that our services are accessible and tailored to meet the needs of our council tenants and leaseholders in Brent
3. improve our engagement with council tenants and leaseholders from diverse backgrounds and those from minority and under-represented groups
4. ensure our services are non-discriminatory by assessing the impact of all policies, procedures, strategies and core services against all protected characteristics
5. improve the collection of data on all protected characteristics for our staff, council tenants and leaseholders to better inform equality objectives in years to come so that we are seen by everyone who comes into contact with us as a fair, transparent and an equitable employer and service provider
6. develop positive partnerships that support stronger service provision and share common equality and diversity principles.

Equality analysis

This process was introduced at BHP at the end of 2011 and is used by BHP Managers to carry out equality impact assessments on any services, policies or procedures to be introduced by BHP which directly affect Brent Council tenants.

A covering report and a completed 'equality analysis' form is sent to BHP's Board for decisions on the introduction of new policies and services. This form assists the Board in taking equality and diversity considerations into account in their decision making process.

Contact details

If you have any questions about equalities diversity and inclusion within Brent Housing Partnership then please contact

• Email: equalities@bhphousing.co.uk