The Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Champion promotes and advocates for equality, diversity, and inclusion. Their primary goal is to foster an environment where all individuals are treated fairly, have equal opportunities, and can thrive regardless of their background, identity, or circumstances.

Their key roles and responsibilities include:

Advocacy and Awareness

  • Promoting Awareness: Raise awareness about the importance of equality, diversity, and inclusion within the Council and wider community.
  • Challenging Prejudice: Actively encourage the challenge of discriminatory behaviours, practices, and attitudes, and encourage others to do the same.

Policy Development and Implementation

  • Influencing Policy: Work with members to develop, implement, and review policies and practices that promote EDI.
  • Ensuring Compliance: Provide overview to ensure that the Council complies with relevant laws and regulations, such as the Equality Act 2010 in the UK, which aims to protect people from discrimination.

Training and Education

  • Delivering Training: Receive and deliver training sessions on topics related to EDI, such as unconscious bias, cultural competence, and inclusive practices.
  • Ongoing Learning: Promote continuous learning opportunities to keep everyone informed about EDI issues and best practices.

Support and Resources

  • Providing Support: Offer support and guidance to individuals who face discrimination or barriers to inclusion.
  • Resource Coordination: Act as a point of contact for accessing EDI-related resources, support services, and information.

Monitoring and Reporting

  • Tracking Progress: Monitor the effectiveness of EDI initiatives, collecting data and feedback to assess progress and identify areas for improvement.
  • Reporting: Report at least annually to the Council on the status of EDI efforts, highlighting successes and areas needing attention.

Community and Stakeholder Engagement

  • Building Partnerships: Engage with external organisations, EDI groups, and stakeholders to share best practices, collaborate on initiatives, and stay informed about emerging issues and solutions.
  • Feedback Mechanism: Establish channels for receiving feedback from employees, community members, and other stakeholders to continuously improve EDI efforts.

Creating an Inclusive Culture

  • Role Modelling: Serve as a role model for inclusive behavior, demonstrating a commitment to EDI and setting a positive example for others.
  • Promoting Diversity: Encourage the celebration of diversity within the organisation or community, and work with officers to organise events that recognise and celebrate various cultural, ethnic, and social backgrounds.

Addressing Barriers

  • Identifying Barriers: Identify and address barriers to equality and inclusion, whether they are institutional, procedural, or cultural.
  • Implementing Solutions: Advocate for and help implement solutions that remove these barriers and create a more inclusive environment