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Hi Although we have not yet developed a single equality scheme, we have started to work towards a single scheme by revising our three existing schemes and drafting the three new ones (religion & belief, age and sexual orientation) in a consistent format to make it easier to bring together. We would be happy to be part of a working group or to take part in any other way. Lesley Gyford Head of Equality, Diversity and Reward University of Derby ________________________________ From: HE Administrators equal opportunities list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Suzanne Marshall Sent: 30 July 2008 16:02 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Single Equality Scheme Dear Colleagues SINGLE EQUALITY SCHEME Equality Forward is currently seeking information from colleges and universities who may be some way forward in developing a single equality scheme. If you are in this position and would be willing to share any of your learning or experience it would contribute directly to a piece of work we are taking forward over the autumn. Thank you to all those colleagues who have already been in touch with us or with whom we are currently working. Background In response to requests from members of the Equality Forum and following discussions with a small number of colleges and universities who expressed a desire to move to a Single Equality Scheme, we have started work to develop a framework for a Single Equality Scheme, one for colleges and one for universities. In addition, we will prepare accompanying Guidance Notes on how to develop such a scheme. We are working with an experienced equality professional and the Equality and Human Rights Commission. In addition we intend to establish an Advisory Group to inform and guide the next stage of the work. We intend to disseminate the framework and guidance at a seminar later in the autumn. This piece of work is timely as in July the Government published its Equality Bill which, amongst other measures, indicated that they intend to place a new Equality Duty on public bodies, which will bring together the three existing duties, race, disability and gender and extend to gender reassignment, age, sexual orientation and religion or belief. We have been working with two colleges and one university since April this year as they started the process of planning and developing their Single Equality Schemes. We will continue to work with these institutions and, using an action research approach, we will capture their process of development for sector-wide benefit. The timescale for this publication would be August 2009. We acknowledge that some institutions are already some way forward in developing their schemes and have been in contact with some of them to gather information and build on existing practice. If you are in this position and we are not currently aware of your developments it would be really helpful to hear from you. The experience of all institutions in taking forward equality work is valuable. Please contact Suzanne Marshall at Equality Forward. Many thanks Suzanne Suzanne Marshall Equalities Lead Officer Equality Forward Argyll Court, Castle Business Park Stirling FK94TY Tel: 01786 892119 Mobile: 07920 563245 E-mail: [log in to unmask] www.equalityforwardscotland.ac.uk Please consider the environment before printing this message. Scottish Further Education Unit (SFEU) Argyll Court Castle Business Park Stirling FK9 4TY website: www.sfeu.ac.uk e-mail: [log in to unmask] The Scottish Further Education Unit (SFEU) is a Registered Scottish Charity No. SC021876 and a Company Limited by Guarantee No. SC143514 VAT No. 617148346 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DISCLAIMER This e-mail, and any attachments, is confidential and protected by copyright. If you receive this e-mail in error, notify the sender immediately by reply e-mail, delete it, and do not make use of, disclose or copy it. No liability is accepted for viruses and it is your responsibility to scan any attachments. The opinions expressed within this e-mail are the opinions of the sender and do not necessarily constitute those of his/her employer.