Gender Equality Duty
West Dunbartonshire Council wants to provide the best customer service for all our customers that meets your needs and takes into account your individual circumstances.
Gender Equality Duty
The Gender Equality Duty came into effect on 6th April 2007. This duty places a legal responsibility on local authorities to:
- eliminate discrimination and harassment
- promote equality of opportunity between men and women
The duty applies to West Dunbartonshire Council in all of its functions, including policy-making, service provision and employment matters. It also applies to services and functions which are contracted out.
As part of the duty, public authorities are required to take action to eliminate harassment, discrimination in employment and vocational training, for people undergoing gender reassignment (Gender reassignment is a medical process whereby people undertake medical treatment to match their bodies to their gender identity).
There are also specific duties which work towards achieving the general duty. These include the requirement to publish a Gender Equality Scheme (GES), report annually and review progress every 3 years.
Further details of your rights under the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 and Equal Pay Act 1970 can be found on the Equality and Human Rights Commission website
Gender Equality Scheme
The council has developed a Gender Equality Scheme in consultation with council service users, staff, community groups and trade unions. The Scheme includes an action plan for the next 3 years and was published on 9th June 2007.
The GES outlines West Dunbartonshire Council's approach to promoting gender equality in the planning and delivery of services, policy development and employment.
The GES, along with the Disability Equality Scheme and Race Equality Scheme, sit under the Council's overall Equality and Diversity Strategy, which sets out the common goals regarding race, gender, disability, age, religion and belief and sexual orientation.
To view these documents, click on the links below:
Equal Pay Statement
As part of the gender duty, the Council has also published as Equal Pay Statement.
The Statement was approved on 26th September 2007. By publishing the statement we are complying with one of the specific duties outlined in our Gender Equality Scheme. View the Equal Pay Statement which will be reviewed in 2010.
If you wish to discuss any of these schemes further, or for a printed version, please contact:
The Policy Unit, Chief Executive's Department
West Dunbartonshire Council
Email: policy.unit@west-dunbarton.gov.uk
Tel: 01389 737231
For further information regarding the Gender or Race Schemes, please contact:
Suzanne Greer
Policy & Development Officer, Diversity
Chief Executive's Department
West Dunbartonshire Council
Tel: 01389 73(7386)
Email: suzanne.greer@west-dunbarton.gov.uk
