EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FORUM
24th March, 2010
Meeting commenced: 10.05 a.m. " ended: 11.25 a.m.
PRESENT: Councillors Bramer-Kelly, Davies, Drake, Murphy and N. Turner
Martin Vickers – Director of Change Shaun Clydesdale } Chief Executive Directorate Phil Martin } Zahrah Mir } Elaine Barber } Rafiq El-Bouaeshi } Tracy Jenkinson – BME Group Mike Hughes – Equal in Salford Group Jim Wheelton – Salford Disabled Motorist Association Ameen Hadi – UNISON Sarah Manion – Democratic Services (Minutes)
1. ELECTION OF CHAIR
RESOLVED: THAT, in the absence of Councillor Hinds, Councillor Bramer-Kelly be elected as Chairman for the meeting.
Councillor Bramer-Kelly – in the Chair
2. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors Deas, Devine, Dobbs, Hinds, Humphreys and McIntyre.
3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of interest.
4. MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
The minutes of the meeting held on 27 January, 2010, were approved as a correct record.
5. MEMBERS LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT – (EQUALITY FRAMEWORK FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT)
Zahrah Mir presented a report in relation to the Equality Framework for Local Government and highlighted the section of the framework that related to members learning and development. Martin Vickers explained that a new group had been set up to look at the induction of new councillors and also identifying members to act as Equal Opportunities Forum - 24th March, 2010
mentors.
RESOLVED: THAT Information in respect of this new group be presented at the next meeting of the Equal Opportunities Forum.
6. EQUALITIES AND BUSINESS PLANNING UPDATE
Zahrah Mir provided an update in relation to Equalities and Business Planning. A discussion took place regarding the Cohesion Strategy for the City, and the successful events already taking place. Members were advised that there had been a move away from general events celebrating diversity towards a more local approach with a strong focus on neighbourhood focused events tailored to local communities and issues.
RESOLVED: THAT available Business Plans be informally presented at the next meeting of Equal Opportunities Forum to enable equality issues to be identified.
7. EQUALITIES ANNUAL REPORT
Zahrah Mir provided an update in relation to the Equalities Annual Report.
RESOLVED: (1) THAT the information be noted.
(2) THAT a copy of the Equalities Annual Report be presented to a future meeting of the Equal Opportunities Forum.
8. SALFORD EQUALITIES NETWORK
Phil Martin provided an update in relation to Salford Equalities Network, he explained that the network was a forum to enable equality and diversity practitioners to share information and work more collaboratively on equality priorities.
A discussion took place regarding the planning of future events and it was suggested that Community Committees and Life in Salford be used as a tool to distribute information to people across the City.
RESOLVED: THAT the Equal Opportunities Forum receive regular updates on progress in respect of the Salford Equalities Network.
9. ORTHODOX JEWISH COMMUNITY PROFILE
Phil Martin distributed information in relation to the Orthodox Jewish Community, he explained that the profile is part of a project to raise awareness of diverse communities in the city.
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He reported that a package of training had been produced to raise awareness with staff members, two sessions have been delivered and 50 staff from across all directorates had attended, the feedback received was good.
RESOLVED: THAT the information be noted.
10. STAFF DIVERSITY GROUPS – DIVERSITY STAFF CHAIRS
Zahrah Mir informed the Forum of the three diversity groups for staff:
BME (Black & Minority Ethnic) Staff Group Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Staff Group Equal in Salford
Zahrah introduced Mike Hughes (chair) Equal in Salford and Tracy Jenkinson from the BME Staff Group, she explained that the staff groups will help to support staff and improve services.
Mike Hughes gave an update in regards to the work undertaken by Equal in Salford.
Tracy Jenkinson explained the position of Chair is currently vacant for the BME Staff Group.
A discussion took place regarding the remit of all three staff groups and being clear about the way forward.
RESOLVED: THAT the information be noted.
11. DATE OF NEXT MEETING
RESOLVED: THAT the next meeting of the Equal Opportunities Forum be held on Wednesday, 26th May, 2010 in Committee Room 3 at 10.00 a.m.
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