Agenda item

Contact Officer, telephone number and email:

Karen Hill, Assistant Director of People Services, 01263 516183,

karen.hill@north-norfolk.gov.uk

The DFC introduced the report and outlined the corporate use of policies, strategies, plans, procedures and charters, and noted that when a previous draft of the Policy had been presented, there was confusion over whether it was policy or strategy. He added that a framework of definitions was being developed, with a policy identified as a principle of action proposed by an organisation, whereas a strategy was a broad and evolving plan designed to achieve a long-term aim. It was noted that a plan explained how the strategy would be implemented, and the procedure was a statement of specific actions listed to deliver the plan. The DFC stated that a review of the Council’s existing corporate documents was underway to ensure that they aligned with this framework, in addition to developing the role of charters as a means for outlining the aims and values of the organisation.

Questions and Discussion

       i.          The Chairman explained that the Policy had come to the Committee for pre-scrutiny previously, and the Committee were now asked to review an amended version, which had been subject to the Committee’s recommendations. It was confirmed that pages 5-7 of the Policy were footnotes, definitions and explanatory notes referred to within the Policy. The DFC stated that these had been separated in order to make the Policy as clear and easy to understand as possible. The Chairman suggested that it be made clear that the latter pages of the document were a separate footnote.

      ii.          The Chairman sought clarification that once agreed, further work would take place to develop a strategy, action plan and procedures to ensure that the Policy was implemented. The DFC replied that once the Policy and equality objectives were accepted, then a strategy would be developed to support the document, with regular reviews planned. In response to a further question from the Chairman, it was suggested that a strategy and action plan would be developed via the project planning process of the CDU, once the Policy was agreed.

     iii.          Cllr V Gay stated that the issue regarding pages 5-7 of the document had been raised at Cabinet, where it had also been suggested that they should be marked as such. She added that the definitions provided were good examples that would be beneficial to adhere to.

    iv.          Cllr E Seward stated that when considered by Cabinet there had been a request for an annual review that would be reported to relevant Committees. He added that there was also a request that the Policy be read in conjunction with other plans, which had been addressed.

      v.          Cllr S Penfold referred to the first line of the Policy, and asked whether the wording should be amended to cover non-residents. The DFC replied that whilst he understood the concern, he expected issues relating to interviews would be covered in the relevant employment and interview polices, as the Council could not implement a Policy beyond its sphere of influence. He added that he would confirm with HR whether an amendment was necessary.

    vi.          In response to a question from Cllr L Withington, it was confirmed that the Policy would be amended as requested by Cabinet, with the inclusion of a requirement for an annual review, prior to seeking Council approval.

   vii.          It was proposed by Cllr A Varley and seconded by Cllr H Blathwayt that the Policy be recommended to Full Council for approval, subject to the discussed amendments. 

RESOLVED

To recommend to Full Council the formal adoption of its Equality Objectives and subject to amendment, the approval the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy 2021.