The Equalities Board is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 23 September 2026 to discuss the Annual Equalities Report for 2025/26 and to agree the work programme for the upcoming year. The meeting will also cover the Board's Terms of Reference.

Annual Equalities Report 2025/26

A verbal update is scheduled to be provided on the development of the Annual Equalities Report for 2025/26. This report will likely detail the council's performance and activities related to equality and diversity during the past financial year.

Work Programme 2026/27

The Board is expected to agree and prioritise items for its work programme for the 2026/27 period. This will shape the focus of the Board's activities and discussions over the next year. The report pack indicates that the Annual Equalities Report 2025/26 is scheduled to be discussed on this date, with Lucy Nasby listed as the lead officer. Future discussions are also noted for December 2026, February 2027, and April 2027.

Terms of Reference

The Terms of Reference for the Equalities Board are scheduled to be noted for information. These documents outline the purpose, membership, and functions of the Board. The Equalities Board is established to oversee the council's processes for eliminating discrimination based on the protected characteristics defined in the Equality Act 2010¹. These characteristics include age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, gender (sex), and sexual orientation. The Council also includes care experience as a protected characteristic, as agreed on 22 November 2023. The Board's remit includes monitoring the council's performance against equality legislation, acting as a consultative and advisory body for new policies, raising awareness of service user needs, and providing a sounding board for proposals that may affect protected characteristics. It also aims to promote understanding of equalities, encourage mutual respect, and highlight the benefits of a diverse workforce.