Launch of gender and sexual orientation equality scheme

Released: 28 March 2007

A scheme to eliminate discrimination on the grounds of gender and sexual orientation in Wolverhampton’s services for children and young people was launched yesterday.

The city council’s children and young people (CYP) service group supports the needs of children from birth through to adulthood. It incorporates early years, primary, secondary and further education as well as looked after children.

CYP is committed to promoting gender and sexual orientation equality and eliminating discrimination on those grounds – which is a requirement of the Equality Act (2006). The Wolverhampton CYP Gender and Sexual Orientation Equality Scheme is based on the following key principles:

• CYP will base its work, both as an employer and a service provider, on a common understanding that gender and sexual orientation equality go hand in hand with a commitment to equalities in general and social justice.
• Work to promote the proportionate representation of women and men at all levels within the workforce to ensure that services provided reflect the needs of both genders.
• Work to promote gender equality and eliminate discrimination on the basis of gender and sexual orientation.
• Promote specific initiatives, both in employment and service delivery, to empower and support women, men, girls and boys.
• Address issues of gender equality in different cultural contexts, promoting values of equality, partnership and respect between the sexes throughout its work.

Yesterday’s launch took place at Wolverhampton Science Park, Stafford Road. The keynote speaker was Rosamund McNeil, the principal officer for gender, disability and lesbian, gay and bisexual equality from the National Union of Teachers. There were a series of workshops for attendees with topics including engaging black and mixed heritage boys, challenging homophobia and implementing gender equality in schools.

Clare Gough, Wolverhampton City Council’s head of equalities and diversity for children and young people said “The scheme builds on success to date and will enable us to deliver real equality for all our children and young people.”

Copies of the CYP Gender and Sexual Orientation Equality Scheme can be downloaded or are available by contacting Ruth Wilson on 01902 553944.

Issued by the press office.