Equality Objectives
Bolton Council’s organisational philosophy reflects entirely the duties under the Act, of preventing discrimination; fostering good relations; and advancing equality of opportunity. This is best evidenced in the strategic Equality Impact Assessments (EIAs) which are produced annually to support budget setting, as well as within all reports. The following guiding principles set out how we would make very difficult decisions to deliver fundamental efficiency savings and profoundly re-shape our organisation and priorities:
- Minimise the impact on our ability to achieve our main aims of ensuring greater economic prosperity for all and narrowing the gap in outcomes, particularly for those in our most deprived communities.
- Ensure we meet our statutory obligations, in particular around safeguarding the welfare of vulnerable children and adults.
- Ensure that wider issues around vulnerability, disadvantage and poverty are at the heart of our decisions and that any negative impact is minimised.
- Ensure that within this very difficult context we maintain our focus on local political priorities.
- Ensure that we listen to, understand and where possible respond to the views of local people and stakeholders.
We have shaped our equality objectives by robustly reviewing our 2021 - 2025 equality period and aligning to our ambitions as a leading employer in the borough. These objectives will be reviewed annually in line with our Council Plan and Bolton Vision 2040.
Objective One: Engagement
Supporting the development of robust and consistent structures to better engage with communities, visitors, workforce and stakeholders, ensuring those with protected characteristics are better connected and empowered.
Objective Two: Accessibility
Remove barriers and improve accessibility of services through targeted activities and collaboration that address the diverse needs of our citizens.
Objective Three: Data and Intelligence led
Continue to build robust equality data and intelligence, informing effective service delivery, decision making and representation in key areas of the business, including workforce.
Objective Four: Accountability
- Develop a framework for monitoring Directorate level performance against our objectives, which is embedded within our wider Council Plan & Borough Plan.
- Continue to develop our workplace culture across the organisation, ensuring we attract and retain a diverse, thriving workforce, where employees are comfortable to be their authentic selves.
Supporting our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion objectives
To ensure our equality objectives are delivered across our programmes of work, supporting both our workforce and communities, we have a number of other strategies, charter marks, partnerships and funding mechanisms that enhance our commitments. Examples of these are included below:
Bolton’s Fund: Bolton’s Fund is an investment programme for the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector in Bolton, bringing together funding from Bolton Council, NHS Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group, Bolton at Home and Bolton CVS. The programme has been running since 2019, supporting a wide range of grassroots projects and community groups. For further information about the Fund and to view a range of case-studies showcasing the support delivered in our diverse communities, please visit the Bolton’s fund webpage.
Strategies and partnerships:
- Living our Bolton story: A strategy for Bolton’s voluntary, community and social Enterprise (VCSE) sector.
- Tackling Poverty Strategy: A strategy outlining the key priorities and actions that we will focus on to address poverty and our socio-economic duty in Bolton.
- Public Health Annual Report: An annual report on the health of the people in Bolton.
- Age Friendly Partnership and Strategy: A multiagency 'Age Well' partnership' that are working together with older people to co-produce an Age Friendly Strategy, making Bolton a better place to grow old.
- Bolton Digital, Employment and Skills Programme: This programme supports residents to gain or work towards new employment, locate new opportunities for learning or to develop and expand skills. Support includes digital aiders intervention, ESOL support and careers advice.
- Bolton Youth Council: Bolton Youth Council is a diverse group of young people aged 13-19 years old, who are actively involved in making decisions in the Borough of Bolton.
- Voice 4 U is a Children in Care Council for young people aged 13-19 years old who are the voice of young people who are looked after in Bolton. They meet regularly to discuss issues around young people who are looked after.
- Armed Forces programme of support.
- Charter marks: Bolton Council is committed to delivering the objectives of a number of charter marks and frameworks.