Equality and Diversity

In Three Rivers we value diversity and acknowledge that 'one size does not fit all', both in respect of access to and provision of services and in employment. The Council aims to build on its long established commitment to Equal Opportunities to ensure that we tackle inequalities and take advantage of the strong business case for sound practice on equality and diversity.  In March 2006 the Council revised and updated its Policy commitment to equality and diversity, which has also been further updated in 2009.

Comprehensive Equality Policy - DOWNLOAD

Public Sector Equality Duty

The public sector Equality Duty came into force on 5 April 2011. The Equality Duty applies to Three Rivers District Council. It requires the Council to  consider how different people will be affected by its activities, helping it to deliver policies and services which are efficient and effective; accessible to all; and which meet different people’s needs.

The Equality Duty is supported by specific duties, set out in regulations which came into force on 10 September 2011.  The specific duties require the Council to publish relevant, proportionate information demonstrating its compliance with the Equality Duty.  The Council must publish this information by 31 January 2012, and there onwards on an annual basis.

The report below forms Three Rivers District Council’s compliance with these regulations, and points to where it has also previously published relevant information:

Equality Impact Assessment Programme

The former Generic Equality Scheme 2009-2012 set out a three year programme of Equality Impact Assessments (EIAs). The assessments aim to check if our services, polices, or proposed services or policies, have any negative impact on any equality group. Where such negative impact is identified, if it cannot be justified, then remedial actions are identified.

For more information about the EIA process and to download completed Relevance Tests and full EIAs, please use this link to Equality Impact Assessments.

The Resources Policy and Scrutiny Committee is responsible for the performance management of the Comprehensive Equality Policy.
 

Frequently asked questions

Q. Where can I find out information about the population of Three Rivers?

A. This information is available on the Office of National Statistics (ONS) website.
 

Q. Why does the Council ask customers for personal information such as ethnic origin, disability, gender, age etc? 

A. The Council is required by law to assess how its services meet the needs of different parts of the community. One way it does this is by asking customers for monitoring information so that it can evaluate whether customers reflect the population of the District.

We also use it to identify if particular groups in the community or less satisfied with services, so that we can improve our service delivery.


Q. What should I do if I feel I am being discriminated against by the Council?

A. Speak to the appropriate Council service and if you not satisfied you can use the complaints process.


Q. What should I do if I am being discriminated against or harassed in my local community?

A. Please speak to the Council’s Anti-social Behaviour Team or contact the Police Hate Crime Unit.  For more information, please read the Anti-social behaviour page and the Hate Crime page.


Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Communities
For information on local services in Hertfordshire see the LGBT Guide that can be downloaded below:
'Herts LGBT Guide'


Young Pride in Herts
Young Pride in Herts is a LGBTQIA Youth group for young people aged 13 to 25.  To find out more about them and their 'Sunday Coffee Stops' visit their website below:
'Young Pride in Herts'

Contact details

For more information about any of the above, please contact:

Community Partnerships Unit
Three Rivers District Council
Three Rivers House
Northway
Rickmansworth
Herts WD3 1RL
01923 776611
e-mail: consult@threerivers.gov.uk