Diversity and equality

We promote diversity and equality through our work.

We use 'diversity' as an inclusive term to describe the range and breadth of people and communities in an area. Diversity is about respecting and valuing differences in a way that adds value to our understanding and approaches to work. It is also recognising and understanding the mix of people and communities who use services, and their different needs – to be user focused is central to our work. We value and celebrate diversity.

Equality is about fairness, and not discriminating against individuals or groups because of characteristics such as race, age, gender or disability.

Our diversity scheme 2006/2009

We have produced a single diversity scheme called Making Equality and Diversity a Reality. The scheme covers our actions on age, disability, sex, sexuality, race, religion and belief. This approach helps us make sure we focus on specific inequalities and creates links between equality (promoting fairness) and diversity (valuing people’s differences) for us and the organisations we work with. We have also produced separate versions of this combined equality and diversity scheme for those who are interested in finding out how we will promote equality of opportunity and tackle discrimination and harassment for disability, race and gender.

We have also published our diversity annual review looking back on the work that we have done over the 2007/08 financial year to address issues of equality and diversity. It looks back on our achievements and also what more we can do to improve our approach in this area.

What we do

Our work has both internal and external focus. We aim to achieve best practice in all areas, creating an environment where our differences are valued and there is equal access to work and development opportunities. Externally, we support the Commission in delivering its strategic objective: focusing on the needs of people who use services and diverse communities.

We have a small centrally-based diversity team, and a range of functional roles and groups in our regions, which help to progress our diversity agenda. The diversity team forms part of the Human Resources Directorate.

For more information please email - diversity-equality@audit-commission.gov.uk.