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Council and democracy 

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). 

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.