Equality Scheme: 2025-2029

As a Local Authority, Torridge District Council must comply with the Public Sector Equality Duty, as detailed under the Equality Act 2010. The Act instructs public authorities to reflect on how their policies and decisions affect those with protected characteristics.

The Equality Act 2010 requires us to:(1) Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and other prohibited conduct; (2) Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not; (3) Foster good relations between those who share a protected characteristic and those who do not.

Torridge District Council also has obligations to publish information which demonstrates our compliance with the Equality Act 2010 annually (such as Gender Pay Gap reports), and issue Equality Objectives (relating to the promotion of the Act) at least every four years.

The Protected Characteristics

Age
Disability
Race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin)
Religion & Belief
Marriage and Civil Partnership
Pregnancy & Maternity
Gender reassignment
Sex
Sexual orientation

The Council's Objectives

Objective 1 = Design and deliver services that meet the needs of the communities we serve. By understanding that our customers come from different backgrounds, and encouraging others to do the same, we can improve the quality of life for everyone by ensuring people who live, work and visit Torridge are treated fairly, with respect and are given the same chances and opportunities.

Objective 2 = As an employer we ensure that every possible step is taken to make certain that our staff are treated fairly and equally and that decisions in recruitment & selection, training, and promotion are based on objective criteria and that reasonable adjustments are made to meet individual needs where feasible.

Objective 3 = Where a third party provides goods, services or works on our behalf, we will ensure they have policies, procedures and practices that do not discriminate and they will deliver goods, facilities and services that are appropriate and accessible. We will monitor contracts and service agreements to ensure they meet their equality commitments.