Equalities Partnership

Why we need an equalities partnership

One of the key drivers for the establishment of the partnership was the borough’s first diversity conference in April 2004 which highlighted the need for one borough-wide body to lead on equality matters. Then in August 2004, WBSP’s race audit report carried out by West Midlands Commission for Race Equality also identified the need for a strategic model to deliver race equality in Walsall.

WBSP discussed the way forward and agreed that there needed to be a partnership approach between members of WBSP and any equalities partnership had also to address all equality strands in line with latest government policy and the establishment of the joint commission; the Commission for Equality and Human Rights.

The Equalities Partnership was established within the framework of the borough partnership in 2005 and reports in to the Board. Members of WBSP see this partnership structure for Equality and Diversity being about better and different ways of working.

WBSP decided that the partnership needed to include the statutory bodies; the council, PCT, police, major service delivery organisations; housing associations, New Deal for Communities, education, and representatives from the voluntary, community and business sectors.

It was also agreed that representation on the partnership would be at Chief Executive level or equivalent. This was simply about senior people being able to make big decisions – commit budgets, act immediately, unblock problems – working together to tackle the big problems within the borough.

There was agreement from the beginning that this partnership would focus on the big strategic issues in the borough and focus on making things happen; being a change agent for the borough.

Equality Partnership members agreed to the following statement:-

We are committed to:

Eliminating all forms of discrimination and promoting social justice
Promoting good community relations and securing community cohesion
Providing leadership and acting as champions for equality and diversity and for Walsall Local Compact

Building Cohesion in Walsall Presentation - Ted Cantle 2006

This page was last updated on 03 June 2008