Our approach to Equality, fairness and opportunity is deeply rooted in British Values — democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect, and tolerance. These principles guide everything we do, from service delivery to workplace culture.
Why this matters
Embedding equality is not just a legal requirement under the Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Equality Duty it’s a moral imperative. By aligning our practices with British Values, we:
- eliminate discrimination and foster good relations.
- advance equality of opportunity for all residents and employees.
- build stronger, more cohesive communities that reflect fairness and dignity.
Inclusive services lead to better outcomes, stronger trust, and a reputation for leadership and accountability. This approach ensures Derbyshire remains a place where everyone can thrive.
Our strategic narrative
At Derbyshire County Council, we believe in British Values and ensuring that no matter who you are - resident or employee - you are respected, feel valued, and can belong, grow, and develop with us.
This is more than words; it’s a guiding principle that shapes our policies, decisions, and everyday interactions. It reflects our dedication to fairness, dignity, and opportunity for all.
How we deliver on this vision
Our strategic equality, fairness and opportunity framework is built around our equality, fairness and opportunity statement and 4 key objectives which were agreed by Cabinet in June 2024:
Equality, fairness and opportunity statement
Equality, fairness and opportunity at Derbyshire County Council means that all colleagues and our communities will have a voice, ensuring we listen and engage, shape and respond to enable an inclusive culture. As a result, our inclusive culture will ensure equality, fairness and opportunity underpins our planning and service delivery leading to improved outcomes for our communities.
Equality objectives
- Data and Community Engagement.
We analyse data and engage with communities to understand inequalities and needs, ensuring informed and responsive policy-making.
- Inclusive Leadership.
We equip leaders with the skills and knowledge to champion EDI, fostering a culture of fairness and respect across all levels of governance.
- Inclusive Workplace.
We create a workplace where employees feel respected, valued, and supported to grow professionally, promoting belonging and opportunity.
- Inclusive and Responsive Services.
We design and deliver services that are accessible and inclusive, shaped by community input to meet diverse needs.
Benefits of Our Approach
- Fairness: Services work better for everyone.
- Cohesion: Stronger, more connected communities.
- Reputation: Demonstrates leadership, accountability, and compliance.
- Growth: Inclusive communities attract talent and investment.