Community Engagement in Shaping Equality and Inclusion Plans
Residents of East Dunbartonshire are being encouraged to contribute their views on new initiatives aimed at promoting equality and inclusion across the area. The local council is currently seeking public input on its draft equality outcomes for the period 2025-2029. These plans are designed to support efforts in advancing equality, eliminating discrimination, and building stronger relationships among different community groups.
The consultation process is open from July 7 to September 5, providing a window for residents to share their thoughts. Councillor Paul Ferretti, who leads the Place, Neighbourhood and Corporate Assets Committee, emphasized the importance of community involvement in shaping these outcomes. He stated that the council needs feedback to ensure the proposed equality goals reflect the needs and priorities of all residents. This is an opportunity for individuals to express whether the outlined outcomes align with what matters most to them.
Councillor Ferretti also urged people to participate in the survey, which should take only a few minutes to complete. By sharing their perspectives, residents can help create a more inclusive and equitable future for the local communities.
Ways to Participate in the Consultation
To make it easier for residents to get involved, the council has provided multiple ways to take part in the consultation. An online survey is available at www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/Equalities-2025, allowing participants to provide their feedback conveniently. In addition, drop-in sessions will be held at various community venues, offering a chance for direct interaction. The council is also reaching out to community organisations to ensure that as many people as possible have the opportunity to contribute.
The draft equality outcomes are developed with the aim of delivering measurable improvements for individuals and communities who face inequality or disadvantage. These outcomes are aligned with the Equality Act 2010, which outlines nine protected characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
Development of the Draft Outcomes
The council has collaborated with colleagues in education and the licensing board to identify the new outcomes. This process has been informed by data gathered from previous consultations, demographic information, and reflections on the delivery of the 2021-2025 equality outcomes. Additional insights have come from strategic plans produced by the East Dunbartonshire Community Planning Partnership, the council’s own improvement plans, equality impact assessments, staff monitoring reports, and gender pay gap analysis.
The consultation has also taken into account feedback from recent planning exercises, including the locality plans, the British Sign Language Plan 2024-2030, and the Gaelic Language Plan 2024-2029. These plans highlight the diverse needs of the community and ensure that the council’s approach to equality and inclusion is comprehensive and reflective of the population’s requirements.
By involving the community in this process, the council aims to create a more inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and supported. Residents are encouraged to take part in the consultation to help shape the future of equality and inclusion in East Dunbartonshire.
