The Equalities Forum
The Equalities Forum consists of representatives of different organisations and community groups in South Bedfordshire and neighbouring authorities. The forum was established in 2002 and assists the council with consultation on relevant matters, policies and procedures.
All our impact assessments go through consultation with the forum members at all the stages of the process and comments and recommendations taken into account. The forum is also instrumental in community development and scrutiny and forum members are readily consulted from all service areas to ensure that the diverse needs of the communities in the area are met and that the community is developed with their needs in mind to foster community cohesion.
Membership
The Group is chaired by the Council Leader. Membership of the Equalities Forum is open to community representatives of under-represented groups. Members belong to voluntary, public and community organisations and have demonstrable knowledge; experience or expertise which makes a significant contribution to the work of the Equalities Forum.
Terms of Reference
You can view the Terms of Reference for the Equalities Forum by using the link below:
Terms of Reference (PDF 40.4KB)
What's involved
The Equalities Forum has a number of roles and responsibilities. If your organisations application is successful you can expect:
- To be invited to the quarterly meetings of the forum, we encourage groups to send the same person each time, or a regular substitute to help improve contributions. The date of the next meeting can usually be found in the minutes of the last meeting.
- To receive information with each agenda as well as at the meeting about the issues which will be discussed.
- To engage positively with issues relating to equalities and diversity.
- To take an active part in moving the council's services forward in these areas.
- To carry out Impact Assessments of the Council's strategies, policies and services
- Support and training where necessary to be an active member of the Equalities Forum.
- Refreshments before each meeting and help towards your travel expenses.
Six Equality Strands
The Equalities Forum try to ensure representation from all six strands of equalities. These are:
If you think you'd like to help shape our services and feel that you could positively represent one or more of the strands then please get your organisation to contact us.
Contact
If you need assistance in reading any documents on these pages or would like further information please contact:
Corporate Projects and Performance Team,
South Bedfordshire District Council,
The District Offices,
High Street North,
Dunstable,
Bedfordshire, LU6 1LF
Telephone: 0845 849 6090
