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Cabinet received the updated Equality,
Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Action Plan which included progress
on the 18 targeted actions which had been designed to create a
clear link between service delivery and EDI across the council.
 
The Portfolio Holder advised that key
demographic information about both residents and the workforce was
included in the report drawing on a range of data sources including
the 2021 census and the council’s latest figures on benefit
claimants and community safety.
 
Members were also pleased to note that the
council recently underwent an audit by the Shared Internal Audit
Service (SIAS), receiving a ‘Substantial Assurance’
rating - the highest possible rating achievable which demonstrated
the strength of the Council’s EDI governance and a testament
to the dedication and hard work of officers.
 
Members recognised the importance of
recognising the needs of young people and also the needs of the
major businesses in the Town which were at the forefront of the
STEM industry.
 
It was RESOLVED:
 

1.   
That the delivery of actions detailed in the Equality, Diversity
and Inclusion (EDI) Action Plan 2024–25 Progress Report
(Appendix A), which contribute significantly to embedding and
exemplifying Equality, Diversity and Inclusion principles
throughout Stevenage Borough Council be acknowledged;

2.   
That the revised 19 actions in the 2025/26 version of the EDI
Action Plan (Appendix B) be approved and endorsed to ensure future
infrastructure is in place to support the Making Stevenage Even
Better Corporate Plan’s cross-cutting theme of Equality,
Diversity and Inclusion.

3.   
That the publication of the latest annual Equality and Diversity
Report for 2024/2025 (Appendix C) be approved and data utilised to
help enhance community understanding, and shape services to
represent the needs of the local population.