NALC launched their Diversity Commission in 2017.
The Diversity Commission was launched to undertake an assessment of the diversity of people who are local councillors in relation to their age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and socio-economic background as well as the diversity of representatives of county associations involved in the governance of county associations and NALC. The Diversity Commission will be making recommendations for action and change needed in order to address these findings.
With over 80,000 councillors in local councils it is important that the issue of diversity is brought to the forefront, addressed and overcome to ensure full representation of the electorate within our sector with councillors reflecting the communities and people they represent.
Increasing diversity in the public sector is paramount for a sector which strives to promote equality and is particularly pertinent to local councils given their role at the forefront of community representation, service delivery and partnership working. The Equality Act 2006 and subsequent Equality and Human Rights Commission 2007 are in place to challenge discrimination and promote equality of opportunity.
Through the creation of a Diversity Commission, NALC can implement processes and be accountable in relation to the promotion of diversity within its councils and at a county and national level. This is an issue which has consistently been raised by councils and councillors at NALC meetings and events and is a strategic priority in NALC work programme for 2017/18.
