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Equalities PSA

The Equalities PSA

In a modern Britain, everyone should have the chance to flourish, achieve their potential and contribute to its success. Inequality is wasteful – it squanders talent and resources and restricts ambition. A more equal society will help maintain a strong, stable economy, with growth and prosperity even through turbulent periods in the economic cycle. The country that brings out the best in its entire population will be the success story of the global age. We want Britain to be that country.

The Government’s commitment to equality is demonstrated through the priorities identified in the suite of Public Service Agreements (PSAs). These PSAs identify the outcomes Government will seek to deliver over the three years to March 2011.

PSA 15, for which the Government Equalities Office (GEO) is the lead Government Department, complements action in other areas, driving progress in reducing inequalities both through hard outcomes such as hourly wage rates, and by focusing on people’s experience in the workplace and as users of public services. In particular, this PSA aims to achieve by 2011:

A significant reduction in the pay gap for women
More choice and control for disabled people
Equal civic participation by all, whatever their background
Equal employment practices, especially around recruitment and promotion and
Better understanding and delivery of fair treatment by public services.

The GEO is committed to taking forward this ambitious agenda. But we will not be relying on GEO action alone. In many cases, we are tackling deep-rooted problems with a long history. Success will require innovation and creativity, joint working within central Government and with a wide range of partners including regional government, local government, and non-Departmental public bodies such as the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

Above all we want to tap into the energy and enthusiasm of business, Trade Unions, public servants and other groups rooted in the community throughout Great Britain. We want, therefore, to take forward delivery of this PSA in an open and collaborative way, engaging widely on each of the priority areas identified within the PSA. As part of this, we will publish our plans for delivering the PSA on this website and report twice-yearly on progress in meeting the PSA commitments, beginning later this year.

Useful websites

HM Treasury