Equality and Diversity in the public sector supply chain
Are you aware that Section 149 (the "general" Public Sector
Equality Duty) of the Equality Act 2010 will commence on 05 April
2011?
Do you understand how this might affect your business?
Under Section 149 a public authority must, in its day to day
operations:
- eliminate discrimination, harassment and victimisation,
- advance equality of opportunity, and
- foster good relations by, in particular, tackling prejudice and
promoting understanding.
If you provide goods, services or works on behalf of a public
authority it is recommended you also pay due regard to the matters
described above.
You may need to revise your policies and procedures to ensure
they are compliant with the new legislation.
If in the delivery of goods, services or works you are
considered "high risk" by the public authority, you may also be
required to provide evidence that demonstrates:
- that you understand the requirements of equality law,
- that you have systems in place to keep up to date with changes
in the law, and
- the steps you have taken to make sure staff and sub-contractors
are made aware of their equality obligations.
The FAQs section of the *Equality Charter for North East
Suppliers states that a contractor will score up to the maximum
points available at the PQQ stage of the procurement process if
they can provide a response that supports all of the requirements
detailed above.
To aid your understanding of Section 149 of the Equality Act
2010, Assessment North East and Equality Counts would like to
invite you to a brief seminar that will:
- Define the impact of the "general" Equality Duty on your
business,
- Improve your understanding of how a public authority might
expect you to help them comply with their duties,
- Describe what a public authority considers to be "high risk"
goods, services or works,
- Examine typical questions that may now be asked at the PQQ
stage of the tendering process and how to equip your business to
respond to them positively,
- Help you demonstrate your commitment to equality and
diversity.
Date of event: 05th April 2011
Location: Business & Innovation Centre (The
BIC), Sunderland, Tyne and Wear
Time: registration and breakfast at 9am for a 9.30
start
Duration: 2 hours for an 11.30am finish
To register for this event, please call us on 0191 516 6464.
We look forward to seeing you there.
*The Equality Charter is a statement between the 12 North
East Local Authorities and their suppliers to promote equality when
Councils procure goods, services or works.