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Community, people and living 

Equality and diversity

The Equality and Diversity section provides information on our Race Equality Scheme, Disability Equality Scheme, Gender Equality Scheme, our Comprehensive Equality Policy and Corporate Equality Action Plan, (You can view/download these documents as pdfs from the menu on the right). 

We plan to bring together our race, disability and gender schemes into one document which will be know as our “Comprehensive Equality Scheme” This has involved a review of our race and disability schemes as they have been in place for sometime now.  Our Comprehensive Equality Scheme will be available in April 2009.  If you would like to see a copy of the draft scheme, please contact Policy and Community Engagement on 01491 823047 or email equalities@southoxon.gov.uk

The Council recognises that equality is not about treating everyone the same, nor about ignoring differences.  It means making sure that different people receive services, consultation and employment opportunities in a fair and equal way. The Council therefore recognises, supports and values diversity across South Oxfordshire, and will continue to do so in planning and delivering its services and functions.

Promoting equality and preventing discrimination on the grounds of race, disability and gender is specified by law.  Inequalities that may arise for other reasons are also of importance to the Council and are included within its commitment to equality. 

Inequalities may arise as a result of age, including being an older or younger person; of living in a town or in the countryside; parental or carer status; marital status; gender reassignment; sexual orientation; race or ethnicity; disability; religion or belief; HIV status; asylum or refugee status.  The Council also realises that some people may be disadvantaged by multiple discrimination, and will work to recognise and address this.