Equality, diversity and inclusion

We recognise that all individuals have fundamental human rights and welcome the diversity of the community living, working and learning in the borough.

As a service provider and major employer, we are committed to promoting equality and inclusion. This is demonstrated in our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy. You can also access our Equality Policy in easy read format.

We will operate monitoring and evaluation systems to ensure that the needs and requirements of customers and employees are identified and addressed appropriately.

As a provider of services, we will develop and provide relevant, appropriate and accessible services to be inclusive of our diverse community.

As an employer, we will create a safe and supportive working environment. We will develop an inclusive workplace where the individual differences and contributions of everyone are recognised and valued.

As a partner, we will support good decision-making by encouraging understanding of how people are affected by policies and services. We will take a lead in fostering good relations between different groups and enter into agreements and partnerships that actively promote equality and inclusion.

There is funding support available for community groups through community grants and ward alliances.

The law

The Equality Act 2010 protects people from discrimination in the workplace and in wider society. It sets out the different ways in which it is unlawful to treat someone.

The Act also sets out a range of duties that public bodies, including Barnsley Council, must comply with. These duties make up what is called the Public Sector Equality Duty

The aims of this are that public bodies should:

  • eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and other conduct prohibited by the Act
  • advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not
  • foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not.

The protected characteristics are age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion/belief, sex, sexual orientation.

The Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties and Public Authorities) Regulations 2017 requires public bodies to publish one or more objectives that will help them to achieve any of the aims mentioned in the Public Sector Equality Duty. 

Our equality objectives 2021-2024

We have five equality objectives that are integrated into our council plan. They link to our priorities that were based upon engagement with our communities, residents, businesses and employees. Our Plan is supported by a range of work we will deliver in order to meet our objectives. This means our equality objectives will be monitored, regularly reviewed, and are at the heart of everything we do. 

  1. Healthy Barnsley: People live independently with good physical and mental health for as long as possible.

  2. Learning Barnsley: Children and young people achieve the best outcomes through improved educational achievement and attainment. 

  3. Growing Barnsley: People have a welcoming, safe and enjoyable town centre and principal towns as destinations for work, shopping, leisure and culture. 

  4. Sustainable Barnsley: People live in great places, are recycling more and wasting less, feel connected and valued in their community.

  5. Enabling Barnsley: We are a modern, inclusive, efficient, productive and high-performing council.

We will publish an annual Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Report to show how we are achieving our equality objectives.

If you would like our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy or Report in an alternative format, please get in contact with us.

Annual reports

Action plan