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The proposals for a Single Equality Scheme, which go out to consultation today, sets out the Assembly Government’s clear commitment to promoting diversity and equality as an integral part of the way it does business. It highlights how the Assembly Government plans to work with partner organisations, such as Local Authorities and the NHS in tackling inequality and improving circumstances for all the people it represents and serves.

The final Scheme, which will be effective for three years, will build on the foundations laid by the Assembly Government’s existing disability, race and gender equality schemes. It will also cover the three additional equality strands of religion and belief, age and sexual orientation, which were identified in the 2006 Equalities Act.

Announcing the consultation, Dr Brian Gibbons said:

As Minister with responsibility for Equality and Human Rights, my role is to promote and make possible greater equality, ensuring that the policies that we develop as a government together with our partners, deliver better services for all citizens. Community cohesion is a key part of this agenda, and that is why I am keen to promote shared values and cohesive communities across Wales.

In this consultation document we have sought to identify policies across government that make a real difference to people’s lives, ensuring that equality is at the heart of them. The Scheme will also be based on human rights principles.

Through the development of our Single Equality Scheme, the Welsh Assembly Government hopes to set an example for all public authorities in Wales and to develop long-term positive change.

I want to hear views on our consultation document, and we will be arranging a series of events across Wales as part of this process.

Related Links

http://new.wales.gov.uk/topics/equality/?lang=en

http://new.wales.gov.uk/consultations/?lang=en