Views sought on race equality
People in the Highlands are being asked for their views on race equality.
The Highland Council is working in partnership with other local public agencies to find out if people feel they are being treated fairly or if they experience discrimination because racial grounds or their ethnic background.
The Council’s Race Equality Scheme sets out how it tackles racial discrimination, promotes equality of opportunity and promotes good relations between racial groups. The current scheme is available here (PDF)
In reviewing the scheme, the Council is jointly developing a short survey to help find out if people living in the Highlands are treated fairly or experience racial discrimination. It is also interested to find out if people perceive the Highlands as a safe and welcoming place and if Services meet everyone’s needs.
The survey will be sent to all minority ethnic groups in Highland but will be available widely for anyone to complete. Returns should be made by 8th September. The feedback will help inform the Race Equality Scheme that every public sector organisation has a duty to produce. The public can respond to the survey online here or contact the Council’s Equal Opportunities Officer, Rosemary Mackinnon, for further information: Tel 01463 702094, email rosemary.mackinnon@highland.gov.uk.
Rosemary said: “The Council places equality and fairness at the centre of the way it conducts business and it is important that we highlight the importance of valuing diversity. We aim to ensure our employment and recruitment practices are fair and that our services are accessible. Working with our partner agencies, we will continue to ensure that no-one disadvantaged because of their age, disability, faith, gender, race or sexual orientation. We would like as many people as possible to complete the survey and give their views on race equality in Highland.”
The Council is working on this project in partnership with NHS Highland, Northern Constabulary, Highlands and Islands Fire & Rescue Service, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Scottish Natural Heritage, the University of the Highlands and Islands and the voluntary sector.
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