Equality Framework for Local Government

The Equality Framework for Local Government (EFLG) replaced the Equality Standard for Local Government (ESLG) when it came into effect on the 1st April 2009.

The Equality framework has been designed to build upon and recognises the existing equality work already undertaken under the Equality Standard and is in line with the introduction of the local government White Paper, "Strong and Prosperous Communities", and the Comprehensive Area Assessments (CAA).

The framework aims to be simpler, smarter, proportional and relevant.

The framework is based on three levels of achievement:

• Developing
• Achieving
• Excellent

rather than the five levels of the old Equality standard.

Each level of achievement in the Equality framework has five areas of performance:

• Knowing your communities and equality mapping
• Place shaping, leadership, partnership and organisational commitment
• Community engagement and satisfaction
• Responsive services and customer care
• A modern and diverse workforce

North West Leicestershire District Council has been working to and against the Equality standard since it came into effect in 2001 and will now continue to the requirements of the Equality framework.

The council through a process of self - assessment declared that it had achieved Level 1 and 2 of the Equality standard in March 2007.

North West Leicestershire District Council underwent an "Achieving Peer" review in September 2011 by Local Government Improvement and Development and was found to be an 'Achieving Council', the first of two district/borough councils in Leicestershire to have reached this level.