We want East Sussex to be a great place to live and work. Our aim is to make a positive difference to local people's lives by making best use of resources, being clear about the choices involved and encouraging local communities to thrive. This puts equality of opportunity and diversity at the heart of everything we do.
We recognise and value the diversity of our workforce and our communities. We are working to ensure that everyone has equal access to opportunities, whatever their race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, medical condition (including people living with HIV or AIDS), disability or age.
We want to ensure that all attributes, talents and skills available throughout the community are recognised when employment opportunities arise. Our principle is that jobs should be filled by those best able to do them and we have robust policies in place to support this principle.
Equal opportunities in recruitment and employment
Our staff are our most significant and valuable asset and we make the most of their potential through recognising, supporting and valuing the diversity that we all bring into the workplace.
We take every possible step to ensure that all staff are treated fairly and given equal opportunities and support appropriate to their needs. We ensure that all employment decisions including those on recruitment, selection, promotion, training and career development, are based solely on job-related, objective criteria.
In return, we expect all staff to share our commitment to equality of opportunity and a range of training is provided to support the development of awareness and understanding.
Working flexibly to promote equality
We have a range of flexible-working initiatives which help staff to balance their work and their other needs and commitments, whether they have carer responsibilities, are managing a disability, or require time off for religious observance.
Promoting disability equality
As a member of the Employers' Forum on Disability we have access to the most up-to-date best practice guidance and support.
The Council is also a registered Disability Symbol user – a 'Two Ticks' employer.
This is a recognition given by Jobcentre Plus to employers who have agreed to take action to meet five commitments regarding the employment, retention, training and career development of disabled employees:
Our Disabled Employees' Forum is open to all Council employees (see below).
Stonewall Diversity Champions
As a Stonewall Diversity Champion we are working positively to promote equality in the workplace for Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual (LGB) people.
As a result of the progress we have made in this area we raised our position to 7th in the 2011 Stonewall Index of the top 100 employers for LGB people.
Online staff forums
We believe that by engaging and supporting our staff we will be able to take forward our work in ensuring equality for all.
- Our Disabled Employees' Forum is open to all Council employees and is championed by our Chief Executive. The forum provides a support network for disabled members of staff and an effective channel through which they can become involved in the development of any new Council initiatives which impact on employment.
- Our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT), and Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) staff discussion forums are open to registered members only. The LGBT forum contributes to building a positive workplace culture and members' views are sought on the policies and procedures from a LGBT perspective. The BME and disability forums help us to involve members in new projects and policies and seek their views.
Dignity at work
We believe that everyone has the right to work in an environment that is free from discrimination, harassment and bullying and where the dignity of each individual is respected.
We are committed to eliminating intimidation in any form and our policy on the Promotion of Dignity at Work is founded on the principle that discrimination, harassment or bullying will not be tolerated and action will be taken where it is seen to exist.
Reporting racist incidents
In line with our commitment to equality and diversity, if you become a victim of a racist incident whilst in our employment, the Council has a confidential reporting process in place to support you in taking your complaint forward.
East Sussex County Council