Equalities

The information on this page is intended to cover a wide range of equalities issues : ethnicity, age, religion, sexuality, gender, physical or mental issues or socio-economic status.

	Events
	Consultations
	Projects
	Training, Skills & Knowledge
	Useful Websites & Documents

Please note this page is under construction. If there is information you would expect to be able to find here please contact Sue Evans: sue.evans@banescvs.org.uk

Events

Calendar of religious Festivals - Click here

Equality South West give information on Equality related events in the region - some of which are included here. For a full listing please go to the Equality South West website.

Independent Safeguarding Authority Roadshows

Changes to the vetting laws for those wishing to work or volunteer with vulnerable people are set to take place in autumn 2009 with the Introduction of the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA). Under the new system, all people wishing to work or volunteer with vulnerable people will need to register with the ISA. The ISA is planning a series of free information roadshows to explain to employers and volunteer organisers in these sectors how the new scheme will impact on their business. At these sessions there will be more details about the way the ISA will operate, including the costs, and providing time for questions and answers. To learn more please visit the ISA website

LGBT Health Summit - Terrence Higgins Trust and Equality South West - 4 & 5 September in Bristol - Provides a platform for raising awareness of the existence of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in society. The summit will address general health issues specific to LGBT communities and where necessary recommend improvements to services that impact on the health and well being of LGBT people in the UK. Further information is on the Equality South West website.

The Children in Care Symposium: Breaking the Cycle of Exclusion and Disadvantage. Thurs 25 September 10:15 - 3:40 in Westminster. Recognising the need to address the cycle of exclusion and disadvantage suffered by more than 60,000 young people in the care system, the Government has reaffirmed its commitment to fulfil the potential of all children in care with the introduction, earlier this year, of Care Matters: Time for Change. This implementation plan sets out the practical steps that Local Authorities, in partnership with other agencies, need to take to turn the Care Matters vision of stability and raising aspirations into reality. Full details from official website.

Consultations

Advocacy for People with Physical Impairments - The Care Forum in discussion with WECIL (West of England Centre for Inclusive Living) and Avon and Bristol Law Centre have identified that there seems to be a gap in advocacy provision for people with physical impairments. Advocacy provision for this client group is patchy and seems to be limited to advocacy around complaints or, in Bristol, around assessments. The Care Forum would be interested to hear your views on this subject, whether you agree or disagree, together with any evidence (anecdotal, quotes or otherwise) that you could let them have that support your views. Please contact garyunderhill@thecareforum.org.uk

Transforming the Quality of Dementia Care - consultation on a National Dementia Strategy. This is one of the first national strategies that focuses on the Commissioner's responsibility in delivering high quality services rather than expecting providers to drive improvements. The consultation paper can be downloaded - click here. Responses should be submitted by 11 September 2008

Projects and Organisations

BANES CVS has a database list of voluntary sector organisations and groups working with Equalities issues. To obtain a full list of organisational names please click here. For data protection reasons we cannot supply a list of contact details here but we are in the process of developing a Directory of Services for the Voluntary Sector. If you wish your organisation to be included in this Directory please contact sue.evans@banescvs.org.uk.

THE INDEPENDENT LIVING PROJECT - is setting up a forum of user-led groups and would like to contact organisations in Bath & NE Somerset who are User-Led and working with disabled people (including Physical and sensory impairments, people experiencing Mental/emotional distress, people with learning difficulties), carers, older people, young people in transition from children to adult services. They will offer support and information to keep you up to date with local, regional and national news about Independent Living. They will be consulting Forum members’ about the issues affecting people who want to live independently and will ensure their views and experiences are presented to local service development decision-makers. Please contact: Sue Robinson suehome@suerobinson.demon.co.uk

ACTION FOR PENSIONERS A Voice for Older People in Bath & North East Somerset. The aim of Action for Pensioners is to improve the quality of life and provide a voice which is representative and inclusive for all people 60 or over living in Bath & North East Somerset. Action for Pensioners is run and controlled by the members. It is non-party political and non-sectarian. Membership is free, with a quarterly newsletter and is open to any B&NES resident aged 60 or over. Offices: Fairfield House, 2 Kelston Road, Bath BA1 3QJ. Tel: 01225 329778

AGE CONCERN (BATH) A locally based charity supporting older people, their families and carers across the area. Please follow this link to the Age Concern website.

BATH COMMUNITIES PARTNERSHIP Has been funding projects in the BME communities and South West Triangle area of Bath since January 2003. Projects encompass initiatives promoting the economic and social regeneration of Bath. Please follow this link to the Bath Communities Partnership website. The Scheme will close at the end of March 2008.

B&NES RACIAL EQUALITY COUNCIL supports the black and minority ethnic community and is an advocate for equality and diversity. Please follow this link to the B&NES Racial Equality Council website.

THE NATIONAL DEAF CHILDREN'S SOCIETY - REGIONAL OFFICERS FORUM. This is a proposed network for Regional Officers or Family Support Officers working with deaf children and young people in the South West to discuss problems and share good practice. The first meeting is likely to be in February 2008. Please contact Yvonne Sewell for further information ysewell@ndcs.org.uk

DISABILITY RIGHTS PROJECT This is an England wide project set up by the Equality & Human Rights Commission and the Law Centres Federation. The project advises disabled people. It can give a casework service to disabled people who have disability discrimination complaints about goods, services, facilities, housing, private clubs or public bodies. It also offers free presentations and talks about aspects of the Disability Discrimination Act to disabled people’s groups and their advisers. Locally this Project is managed by the Avon & Bristol Law Centre. For more information please follow this link to the Avon & Bristol Law Centre website and click on Disability Rights.

THE SUPPORTED LODGINGS SCHEME - Many young people leaving the care system or who can no longer live at home are aged just 16 or 18. Evidence from research and young people’s accounts of their experiences show that they are often just not ready, or able, to cope on their own. The Supported Lodgings Scheme gives young people the opportunity to develop the practical skills and emotional stability they will need to live independently and achieve their full potential.
Details.

EACH Educational Action Challenging Homophobia is the charity for young people and adults affected by homophobia. It is also a not-for-profit training agency for employers and organisations committed to realising an equal and safe working environment for all regardless of age, sex, ability, ethnicity, faith or sexuality. Nationally, EACH delivers consultancy and training for the Department for Children, Schools and Families, the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA), Children and Young People's Services, Local Education Authorities, the Criminal Justice System, local government, Health, Libraries, Youth, Housing and Social Services, registrars, the trades unions and the third sector. Please follow this link to the EACH website.

WECIL The West of England Centre for Inclusive Living aims to promote inclusive opportunities and enable choice and control. WECIL also runs the Disability Equality Forum for Bath & North East Somerset. Please follow this link to the WECIL website.

REACHING OUT PROJECT – providing advice and skilled volunteers. Reaching Out is an England-wide project providing advice and skilled volunteers to faith, rural, black and minority ethnic, and refugee and migrant groups. With input from the project these frontline groups can strengthen their know-how and benefit from experienced REACH volunteers. Contact: 0207 840 5663 or www.reach-online.org.uk/projects.htm

RACE FOR JUSTICE CAMPAIGN - was set up by Clinks and the National Body of Black Prisoner Support Groups (NBBPSG), with support from Nacro and a coalition of voluntary sector organisations. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the inequalities faced by black and minority ethnic men and women within the criminal justice system and the positive role that can be played by the voluntary and community sector in addressing this. The campaign will engage with policy makers, commissioners, opinion formers and influencers within the criminal justice system and the BME community through a programme of consultation, research and other activity, including events and publications. It will be launched in September 2008 but find out more on http://www.raceforjustice.net/

Training, Skills & Knowledge

The Black Families Education Support Group are are looking for volunteers from the black and minority ethnic community to mentor young people. Free training and support will be given. For details click here or contact Jade Savage on on Tel: 01225 827830 or email: jade@bathnesrec.org.uk.

You've Got The Right - Children's Rights Alliance for England (CRAE) have launched a new advice service for children on human rights and equality law in England. Information for children about the service is available - click here. Further promotional materials will be available in due course. Any enquiries can be addressed to Katy Swaine, Legal Director, CRAE ks@crae.org.uk

Free, LSC funded Equality Diversity seminar for employers, 17/07/08 Taunton. Details , directions and booking form - please click here.

Equality Matters - A Good Practice Guide for Small to Medium Sized Voluntary or Community Sector Organisations

This is a good practice guide for small to medium sized voluntary or community sector organisations'. The guide is designed to help applicants think about equality issues and incorporate them into the planning of their projects, whether they are applying to BIG (or another funder) for a grant. It also sets out the equality standards BIG expects from grant-holders. The Guide has been produced with input from external stakeholders and will be reviewed in light of user feedback and then formally launched this autumn, when it will be published in hard copy format.

Guidance on Risk Assessment and the Employment of Disabled People

The guidance which has been prepared by the Disability Rights Commission (DRC) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is a joint document which provides employers and disabled people with guidance on how to ensure that health and safety issues are managed effectively, so that disabled people do not experience discrimination, but so that employers can also maintain a safe working environment for everyone. The web-based guidance has been developed to encourage employing and retaining disabled workers. It provides expert advice on delivering the necessary workplace adjustments to both employers and disabled people. The guidance also includes links to relevant government agencies, which provide reliable and up to date information to help employers achieve levels of good practice and meet requirements under health and safety and disability discrimination law. You can follow the step by step guide by going to the HSE Website.

Online Training on Discrimination in Employment - The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) offers online training on discrimination on the basis of religion or belief, and on age discrimination. Visit www.acas.org.uk/elearning.

Faith Community Development - The new ‘Prevent Strategy’ for tackling extremism from the Home Office has resulted in the development of a ‘new qualification in Faith Community Development’. This qualification aims to build ‘the general skills, knowledge and expertise of those leading and working with faith communities.’ Pilot courses in continuing professional development for faith workers and faith leaders (including a community development component) have also been run by NIACE in Sheffield, Bradford, Leicester and Tower Hamlets. information on these courses can be found on the NIACE website.

Time for Action – Elder Abuse Training A cascade training course developed by Action on Elder Abuse which helps organisations to acquire the skills and materials needed to train all their own staff and volunteers in awareness and understanding of elder abuse. Delegates are sent briefing notes before the course to help them prepare. Comic Relief has provided a bursary fund so that voluntary organisations can receive the full day training from as little as £25. Regional dates through the year. Details on AEA website.

Introduction to Accessibility Software & Supernova

Are you struggling to use the computer because of your eyesight? Free 4-week taster workshops on accessibility softwear and Supernova. Register your interest now for future workshops, held from time to time,at Bath Central Library.
To find out more and to book a place, please contact Val Bearne 01225 396304 or Christina Chow 01225 396834.

The Refugee Council Revised Training Brochure for 2008. Download from the Refugee Council website.

The Black Development Agency delivers a diverse programme of training in Bristol.Further details on the BDA website - click on the programme to enlarge.

Useful Websites & Documents

A very comprehensive selection of useful links for Equality issues can be found on the website of The National Association for Voluntary and Community Action. Please click here.

Legislation: at a glance - legislation updates on the Improvement & Development Agency Website.

National Support Services Equality Workstream - Funded by Capacity Builders this is one of nine Support Services Workstreams. Led by the National Equality Partnership it's aims are: supporting third sector organisations to champion and address equality, diversity and human rights. Link to Equality Workstream.

Equality South West (ESW) - a registered charity and England's first regional equality and diversity body. Their work covers policy development, capacity building, best practice, awareness raising, training and research. ESW website provides information on legislation, rights and links to other equality organisations.

STAR is a charity specialising in working with professionals and parents concerned with creating a positive environment for all children under 8 at home and at school. STAR's overall objective is to work towards the elimination of discrimination and to promote equality of opportunity and good relations between persons of different racial groups by offering support and training to teachers, under 8's workers, parents and carers. Link to STAR website.

The Equality & Diversity Practitioner's Project
The Equality & Diversity Practitioner's Project has now come to a close. The final report is available on-line and can be found at the Learning & Skills Council website.

Equalities Monitoring Guidance - this guidance from Bath & North East Somerset Council's Corporate Equalities Team gives recommended guidelines for monitoring in both employment and service delivery. Includes information on why we need to monitor, what to monitor, setting targets, how to set up, analyse and report on results of monitoring and summarises relative legislation and policies. See Bath & North East Somerset Council website.

Get Fair - This campaign calls on all political parties to commit to concrete measures to ensure decent, adequate incomes, fair access to services, affordable homes and decent neighbourhoods for all. The campaign will run over the next year to ensure priority is given to tackling poverty in all its forms. For further information on how you can help Get Fair, or to register for updates about the campaign, visit: www.getfair.org.uk or e-mail info@getfair.org.uk

Dealing With The Far Right - guidance produced by NAVCA in association with the Equalities and Human Rights Commission on how to respond if people with a history of advocating racist violence become, or attempt to become involved with your community or voluntary organisation. Sets out the steps that be taken and the legal context. Download the guidance from the NAVCA website. There will be an updated version available soon - please check.

Liberty: (also known as The National Council for Civil Liberties) leading civil liberties and human rights organisation. working to promote human rights and protect civil liberties through a combination of test case litigation, lobbying, campaigning and the provision of free advice. helpline 0845 122 8621. Switchboard: 020 7403 3888. Liberty have a Voluntary Sector Advice Service with a website giving general information about the Human Rights Act, answers to frequently asked questions, recent case summaries and detailed advice to help you advise your service users. www.yourrights.org.uk/VAS

National Body of Black Prisoner Support Groups - 'established in 1998 from various groups of practitioners in the Criminal Justice Field, working directly with Black and Minority Ethnic Offenders. Our organisation is concerned with the isolation experienced by these organisations in their work and the un-supported environment, with regard to the raising and addressing of issues.' NBBPSG website

Older People's Directory of Services for B&NES

This free directory can be accessed on the B&NES Council Website If you would like a copy of the Directory, please contact Melanie Hodgson on 01225 477983 or email Melanie_Hodgson@bathnes.gov.uk or Michelle Fillary on 01225 477831 or email Michelle_Fillary@bathnes.gov.uk'

Open the Door - provides essential services to help you apply access and equality standards across your organisation and develop your deaf and disabled audiences. Click here for SHAPE website. For almost 30 years Shape has been at the forefront of change, aiming to achieve access to the arts for disabled and deaf people; empowering people to enrich their lives through enjoyment of the arts and active participation.

The Inclucive Fitness Initiative (IFI) - The Inclusive Fitness Initiative (IFI) is a programme that supports the fitness industry to become more inclusive, catering for the needs of disabled and non-disabled people alike. Through a range of projects and products the initiative has supported facilities across England to create an inclusive service, increasing participation by disabled people. Find the Nearest Inclusive Fitness Sites or details of projects, etc. See IFI website.

THE COMMISSION FOR SOCIAL CARE INSPECTION (CSCI) has Published it's Third Report on the State of Social Care in England 2006-07. The report is critical of the widening divide between those who have the greatest need and are helped by the formal system, and those with more moderate needs who are often left to their own devices, or expected to rely on friends and family or voluntary services that are not contracted to provide care. To read the summary or the full report see the CSCI website.

In Focus: Putting people first: Equality and Diversity Matters 1 - Providing appropriate services for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. One year after the introduction of a law establishing equality in services on the grounds of sexual orientation, CSCI has published the first in a series of three equality and diversity good practice bulletins. These are designed to help service providers address the new personalisation agenda set out in the joint protocol Putting People First. This first bulletin builds on good practice to help social care providers make their services appropriate for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, no matter what their sexual orientation. Download this bulletin from the CSCI website.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission is made up of the three equality commissions: Commission for Racial Equality (CRE), Disability Rights Commission (DRC), Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC). Recent reports from the former commissions can be accessed on the recent publications page of the new website: http://www.equalityhumanrights.com The Commission has launched its new YouTube channel where you can find the latest videos about its work to promote equality, fairness and human rights for all. To find out more, visit: www.youtube.com/EqualityHumanRights

Mapping the needs of ethnic minorities in Bath and North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire. Download this report here. This report was commissioned by the ChangeUp Consortium West of England Consortium as part of an agreed programme of work.

Equality Matters - A Good Practice Guide for Small to Medium Sized Voluntary or Community Sector Organisations

Guidance on Risk Assessment and the Employment of Disabled People

UN Enable - United Nations website devoted to promoting the rights and dignity of disabled people.

Shape is the country's leading disability arts organisation, with the aim of improving access to the arts for deaf and disabled people whilst supporting deaf and disabled artists to challenge perceptions and promote Deaf and Disability Culture. Shape website. 'Open the Door' provides essential services to help you apply access and equality standards across your organisation and develop your deaf and disabled audiences.

Advice Services Alliance (ASA) have launched a website www.isthatdiscrimination.org.uk to raise awareness of discrimination through public information and outreach work. The website aims to bring advice agencies together to share experience and help advisers recognize and deal with discrimination problems.

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