Equality, diversity and inclusion policies

Our approach

We celebrate difference and work to ensure that no one is disadvantaged when accessing services, employment or public life in Reading. The Equality Act 2010 sets out our duty in this area.

Each year we publish information about how we comply with our equality duties.

Our workforce

Our Equal Opportunity in Employment Policy recognises the need to set an example as an employer. It sets our diversity and inclusion objectives, standards, employee rights and responsibilities.

Our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion is why we’re an accredited Disability Confident employer and signatories of both Business in the Community’s Race at Work Charter and the Reading Ethical Recruitment Charter. These measures ensure that we continually review our practices and ensure that we strive toward the highest standards.

You can find out more about our workforce in our Workforce Profile and Gender Pay Gap Report.

We have also decided to voluntarily publish our Ethnicity Pay Gap Report.

Our People Strategy underpins the work we do and supports the Council’s strategic aims.

Our services      

Equality objectives

We identify our equality objectives through our Service and Corporate planning process. This is informed by the information we collect from monitoring services, equality impact assessments and community feedback.

Read our Accessible Information and Communication Policy

Equality Impact Assessments

An Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) is how we ensure that equal opportunities are taken into consideration when making a decision. Reading Borough Council undertakes EIAs on significant changes to policy or services and decisions that could impact on individuals or groups protected under the Equality Act 2010. Equality Impact is included in all our Committee reports.