About the Local Government Equality StandardSouthwark is signed up to the  Local Government Equality Standard.
This helps the council to incorporate responses to gender, race and disability into council policy and practice at all levels. It provides guidance for the council to comply with anti-discrimination law. It also helps the council to promote racial equality and since 2006 the equality standard also includes responses to sexual orientation, faith and belief and age in council policies and practices.
After reaching level three of the standard in 2005-06, Southwark's target is to reach level four in 2008.
How well we do against the target is a best value performance indicator, which we are externally assessed on by the audit commission.
Background to the Standard
The standard was drawn up by the Commission for Racial Equality, the Equal Opportunities Commission, the Disability Rights Commission and the Employers' Organisation for Local Government, with assistance from the Audit Commission.
It uses five levels to set out a thorough and efficient approach to dealing with equalities in relation to service delivery, policy making and employment.
Once the council has reached level five, the standard ensures a continuous review of policies, services and the barriers that cause disadvantage. The standard follows the principles of leadership, quality and community involvement.
The participation of members, managers, staff, trade unions and the community and voluntary sectors is essential.
External assessment has recently been introduced. Southwark is currently undertaking a peer review with the London boroughs of Greenwich and Waltham Forest.
Contact us
Social policy unit
Tel: 020 7525 7273
Fax: 020 7525 7424
socialpolicyunit@southwark.gov.uk
West House
Peckham Road
London
SE5 8UB
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