Sandwell Council is to set up a new commission to celebrate rich and diverse communities across its six towns and promote fairness and equality across the council and the borough.
The work of the wide-reaching Sandwell Equalities Commission will drive forward the council’s commitment to equality and diversity as well as challenging discrimination and intolerance in all its forms.
The aim is to raise awareness, promote community cohesion, encourage respect and tackle unfairness caused by inequality.
The commission, which will run until March 2023, will build on existing policies and work. It will also look to make improvements for the benefit of all Sandwell residents, particularly in light of recent events such as the Me Too and Black Lives Matter movements.
It is against the law to discriminate against anyone because of:
age
gender reassignment
being married or in a civil partnership
being pregnant or on maternity leave
disability
race including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin
religion or belief
sex
sexual orientation
Deputy Council Leader Councillor Maria Crompton said: “I am extremely proud to announce the setting up of the new commission, which will drive forward our continued efforts on equality and diversity.
“The remit of the commission is intentionally intended to be as wide-reaching as possible, to ensure its contribution is as significant as possible.
“Sandwell has rich and diverse communities that we embrace and celebrate – we want to make sure everyone is treated fairly and given opportunities to use their talents and realise their aspirations.”
Councillor Iqbal Padda, cabinet member for community engagement and equality, said: “This will be a fundamental look at what equalities and diversity mean for Sandwell. We will celebrate the diverse nature of Sandwell and encourage more understanding across the whole borough.
“We will be working closely with businesses, community and faith organisations and other stakeholders.
“We will be involving Sandwell residents so that diverse voices are heard as part of the commission’s work. They will play a key role in helping the commission understand various life experiences, including successes and barriers.”
Cabinet member for sustainable transport Councillor Jackie Taylor, who became Sandwell’s first African Caribbean councillor in 2014, said: “I welcome the setting up of an equalities commission to help meet the needs of diverse residents who live in Sandwell.
“Like many public bodies in Britain, we have supported the Black Lives Matter movement and the commission’s work will look at how inequalities and discrimination are addressed.
“We have the most ethnically diverse Cabinet in Sandwell’s 46-year history, with five councillors from black and ethnic minority backgrounds.
“I am very proud that the Cabinet is representative of the cultural make-up of Sandwell, giving confidence that our skills and abilities will serve all. The Cabinet will work very closely with the new commission.”
A recommendation to set up the new commission was approved at the council’s Emergency Committee this afternoon.
