Minutes

2            DIVERSITY, EQUALITY AND INCLUSION AND MENOPAUSE POLICIES – The Director: Economy and Environment submitted a report seeking approval for two new policies; Diversity, Equality and Inclusion, and Menopause.

The council currently had a Fair Employment and Equal Pay policy which outlined the council’s commitment to providing and promoting equality for its employees and the wider community.

The policy’s focus was centred around the council’s legal obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and Employment Rights Act 1996.

Whilst the council’s legal obligations as an employer were critical to ensure they kept the organisation safe, to truly embrace the council’s value of ‘Equality of Opportunity’, a new Diversity, Equality and Inclusion policy supported the enablement of a culture where all employees felt valued and enjoyed a sense of belonging.

Managing the effects of menopause at work was important for employees and managers. For those who experienced menopause, the symptoms could be severe and last for several years – potentially impacting a significant proportion of the council’s workforce at any one time.

The new Menopause policy sought to raise awareness of menopause and perimenopause. It provided a framework of support to all those who were directly or indirectly affected, including making reasonable adjustment where necessary.

An effective policy would contribute to employee wellbeing through promoting an inclusive culture and would enhance the council’s employer offer.

Resolved – (a) That the draft Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy be approved, and (b) that the draft Menopause policy be approved.