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Newsroom Archive 2007
Government Equalities Office Simplification Plan 2007
On 11th December the Government Equalities Office published its Simplification Plan, in line with the Government's better regulation agenda. For more information, click here
Government response to the report of the Communities and Local Government Committee
Harriet Harman, Lord Privy Seal, Leader of the House of Commons and Minister for Women and Equalities presented to Parliament the Government’s response to the report of the Communities and Local Government Committee on 13 November 2007. The response first sets out the overall context of Government action on equality, before addressing the Committee’s specific recommendations. For more information, click here
Black History Month Reception 2007
The Ministers for Women and Equality, Harriet Harman and Barbara Follett, hosted a reception on 29 October 2007 to mark Black History Month. The event, "Making Democracy More Representative, Making Our Communities Stronger", saw around 150 ethnic minority women come together from across the UK. For more information click here
European Year of Equal Opportunities for All
Background
2007 has been designated as the ‘European Year of Equal Opportunities for All’. The aim of the Year is to launch a major debate on the benefits of diversity societies with a focus around: Rights – raising awareness of the right to equality and non-discrimination, and the problem of multiple-discrimination. Representation - stimulating the debate on ways to increase the participation of under-represented groups in society, in particular groups that are victims of discrimination. Recognition - celebrating and accommodating diversity and equality. Respect - promoting a more cohesive society.
We are marking the Year, which coincides with the establishment of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) through a series of events including regional seminars, across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland that focus on what we can all do to help create a society that is more at ease with its diversity.
The conclusions of these conversations will help the new Commission build a solid foundation for policies and services that can create fairness and freedom for all. In addition, the conclusions will be taken to European leaders in Brussels in December as a testament of what Britons are doing to create a fairer, more equal society.
The Government Equalities Office is now responsible for coordinating the UK government’s participation i.e. it is the National Implementing Body (previously this was the responsibility of Communities and Local Government).
We are now planning the UK’s ‘closing’ event to conclude celebrations of the ‘Year’ and this will take place in December 2007. The closing event will provide an opportunity to demonstrate the UK’s commitment to valuing diversity and promoting equality of opportunity for all and, in particular the establishment of the EHRC.
For more information please visit:
www.europeanyearofequalopps.org.uk
The Equalities PSA
Address the disadvantage that individuals experience because of their gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief.
The Equalities PSA
In October 2007, the Government published its spending plans for the three year period 2008-2011 [ http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/pbr_csr/psa/pbr_csr07_psaindex.cfm]. This includes details of the new Equalities Public Service Agreement (PSA 15: Address the disadvantage that individuals experience because of their gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief) which sets out improvements that you should expect to see in equalities by the end of 2011. Here is the link to the full details of the measurement methodology for this PSA.
The Government is committed to tackling inequality and promoting social justice and, for the first time, includes a dedicated Equalities PSA. The Equalities PSA reflects the Government’s determination to fight discrimination and ensure everybody in Britain can make the most of their talents regardless of their gender, race, sexuality, age, faith or disability.
Priorities for the Ministers for Woman
On 17 July the Minister for Women, Harriet Harman, set out her key priorities - providing better support for family carers, tackling violence towards women and human trafficking, and empowering black and minority ethnic women to build community cohesion.
Click here to view Oral StatementClick here to view the Command Paper
Click here to view the Press Notice
Click here to go to the Woman's National Commission's website
New Deal for Carers - your voice counts
What could make a positive difference to, or improve the life of, carers? This is the question we are putting to the experts - you!
6 million people in the UK give up a significant proportion of their time to care for a member of their family or friend who needs extra support. We are developing a new national strategy for carers and we want it to be grounded in reality - so we need your input.
We've launched a consultation with an online 'Ideas Tree' at www.newdealforcarers.org. We want you to give us your ideas to help shape the strategy. You can post a message, read what other people have said and tell us if you agree. The Tree will be live until mid September. Consultation events are also being held around the UK arranged by our partners, Carers UK, Crossroads Caring for Carers, Princess Royal Trust and the Children's Society.
The Consultation is a cross-government priority involving the departments of Health; Work and Pensions; Education and Skills; Trade and Industry; Communities and Local Government and the Treasury.
European Year of Equal Opportunities for All - Opening Conference
The opening conference took place in Manchester on 14 May, and will be followed by a series of regional events across the country, culminating in a closing event in December. Activities are also taking place across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Details of the activities currently planned can be found on: www.europeanyearofequalopps.org.uk
Today's Woman: your say in the future
Led by Minister for Women, Today's Woman: Your say in the Future, was a national debate designed to hear first hand from women how policies introduced by the Government have impacted on women's lives and to involve them in the next state of public policy development.
Our aim was to engage women of all ages and from all backgrounds to get their views on key policy issues such as childcare, healthcare, safety and the world of work.
Over 400 women from all walks of life participated in the roadshows which were lively and informative. In total we visited seven cities - Birmingham, Sheffield, Liverpool, London, Newcastle, Glasgow and Inverness.
Research was also conducted to underpin this programme and has been incorporated into this final publication - Click here to view.
Our thanks to all the women who gave generously of their time and experiences.
Queen's Award for Enterprise Promotion
Could you nominate someone for a prestigious Royal Award? The Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion recognises individuals who have played an outstanding and significant role in promoting business skills and attitudes in others. Those nominated are likely to be working in business, education, training or youth work. The closing date for nominations for the 2008 Award is midnight on 31st October 2007.
Link to here
See also
Updated June 2008 | © Crown copyright