Council Leader, Cllr Liam Robinson urges everyone, living or working in Liverpool, to take part in a consultation on the Council’s equality objectives 2024-2028.
One of the core values of Liverpool City Council is to be inclusive, this means we want to build a council that represents our city. Not only that, but we want to celebrate difference and individuality, so that everyone can bring their whole selves to work. It is so important that we as a city offer support to those most marginalised in our society.
This work has never been more important, especially when we think about upcoming events in the city that celebrate the cultures that make up our city. This weekend we are celebrating Lunar New Year, and the Council, in partnership with other local organisations, is putting on a series of events to showcase the vibrancy of Europe’s oldest Chinese community. We can also look forward to Ramadan in March, an important time for many of our residents to spend time with their families and reflect.
Liverpool can proudly boast many important milestones and pioneers when it comes to equality and inclusivity. For example, one of Britain’s first black Mayors, John Archer, was born in Liverpool in 1863 before going on to lead Battersea Council in 1913. More recently Joanne Anderson became the UK’s first directly elected black female mayor in 2021. We are also the home of Britain’s earliest recorded mosque, founded in 1889 in West Derby.
Every four years the Council sets its equality objectives. These help the Council focus on what is most important to Liverpool’s communities, residents and employees.
This is a vital piece of work that will help Liverpool become a fairer, more inclusive and equal city. These objectives will be at the core of the services that the Council provides and will act as guiding principles for us.
In the past, the Council’s equality objectives have led to some really impactful outcomes, for example:
As part of our objective to reduce inequality, The Council’s first Race Equality Officer was appointed in August 2022 to work with Liverpool schools to promote and enhance racial equality and diversity within the city’s education system. This role is the first of its kind across local government.
One of our objectives was to strengthen our communities and neighbourhoods. This goal was at the heart of our new neighbourhood model which aims to change how the Council works with its communities to better understand need and demand across Liverpool’s diverse communities. I was delighted to welcome our 13 new neighbourhood managers to the Council recently and I am already working hard with my neighbourhood manager to tackle some key issues in my ward.
Being a fair and inclusive employer was a core principle as well. As a result, the Council has hosted supported internships placements for the past three years. Supported internships are a work-based study programme for 16–24-year-olds with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and who have an Educational Health and Care Plan. Supported internships help these young adults to gain meaningful work experience and have a secure stepping stone into sustainable paid employment.
For 2024 to 2028 the Council wants views on these draft equality objectives. The objectives are:
- To reduce inequality and improve life chances
- To lead the city in celebrating diversity and tackling inequality
- To foster good relationships within Liverpool’s diverse communities and better understand their needs
- To provide and commission excellent services
- To be an inclusive employer
It is my hope that these objectives will allow us to improve and enrich the day to day lives of all the residents and communities here in Liverpool.
We can only achieve these objectives if we work together as a community and that they are based on everyone’s input, so please take the time to contribute.
Thank you,
Cllr. Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council
How to comment
Fill in the quick online survey by clicking here: https://liverpool.gov.uk/council/consultation-and-engagement/consultation/consultation-on-the-councils-equality-objectives-2024-2028/.
Comments are welcome from anyone who lives or works in the city, or who is affiliated to a local group or organisation.
Alternative formats are available on request from equality@liverpool.gov.uk, and you can also use the email address to ask any questions about the consultation.
