Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors N J Davies, J E C Harris,

E T Kirchner, P M Meara, C Richards and G J Tanner.

In accordance with the Code of Conduct adopted by the City and County of Swansea, no interests were declared.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Equalities Committee held on 12 March 2014.

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Equalities Committee held on 12

March 2014 be agreed as a correct record.

The Chair provided the Equalities Committee Work Plan 2013-2014 as part of the Annual Review 2013-2014. 

She outlined that as part of internal changes within the Authority, the Access to Services Team had moved under the management of the Head of Communications and Customer Engagement.  She introduced the Head of Communications and Customer Engagement to the Committee and he outlined the new structure within his service area, the proposals for the service going forward, how the service can improve access to the Authority by reducing barriers to the public and the support the service will provide to the Equalities Committee.

The Committee discussed at length the work undertaken during 2013-2014, including visits to a number of service areas since September 2013.  The Committee noted the progress made, particularly in relation to equality and engagement issues becoming part of the formal reporting mechanism of the Authority.  Members were requested to provide feedback in relation to the work of the Committee during 2013-2014.

Discussions followed in relation to the proposed work for 2014-2015, including topics for investigation, the format of meetings (e.g., workshops and briefings) and possible site visits.  Potential topics discussed included: -

·         Prevent training;

·         Tackling poverty training;

·         Transport and parking including access issues (Although it was felt that there was a risk of duplication as other committees have examined, or are examining, these areas) ;

·         Domestic abuse/violence;

·         Female genital mutilation (FGM);

·         Human trafficking;

·         Hate crime;

·         Asylum seekers;

·         Poverty, particularly with regards to health matters.

The Chair added that the Committee will also discuss Welsh Language Scheme Annual Review and Strategic Equality Plan Annual Review in addition to the in-depth investigations.  The work of the Member Champions will also be reported, with each Member Champion providing an update on their particular area. 

RESOLVED that: -

1)    The content of discussions be noted;

2)    The topics for discussion during the next Municipal Year include Interpersonal Violence (domestic abuse, female genital mutilation (FGM), human trafficking), poverty and health inequality, Asylum seekers ,hate crime and work with armed services/ex-service personnel;

3)    The Access to Services Team Leader provides further details to the Committee regarding Prevent training.