Equality and diversity implications in reports considered by MPA Committees

Report: 17
Date: 17 July 2003
By: Clerk

Summary

This report summarises some of the key issues identified in reports considered at recent meetings of the Authority’s Committees.

A. Recommendations

That the Board notes the information.

B. Supporting information

1. One of the roles of the Board is to inform itself of issues relating to equal opportunities and diversity addressed by other MPA Committees.

2. The Board is advised that relevant reports on the following subjects have been considered at recent meetings.

Co-ordination and Policing Committee 2 May

• The report on the publication of the annual report included discussion of the best format to ensure the widest accessibility for the document

Planning Performance and Review Committee 8 May

• The recommendations of the Best Value Review of Managing Demand will enhance the MPS’s capacity to deliver services to the widest range of communities through its new philosophy of “getting it right first time”
• Criminal justice: the introduction of victim and witness focus desks was reported and approved
• Performance: it is intended that the more robust performance monitoring regime will better equip the MPS ands MPA to identify disproportionality and verify remedial action
• Organised illegal immigration and human trafficking: this paper identified a range of very sensitive issues arising from a growing problem of organised crime unique to the capital.
• Group rape: emerging analysis suggests that there is disproportionality in ethnicity between victims and suspects but the data is not complete respect of stranger group rape where the reporting of offences is low.
• Customer satisfaction surveys: a new approach was agreed, to include a focus on differential satisfaction rates among different groups.

Co-ordination and Policing Committee 19 May

• Gun crime scrutiny: the terms of reference and work programme for the scrutiny include a focus within the work to clarify overall trends in gun crime on the age gender and ethnicity of victims and perpetrators of gun crime. Evidence is to be invited from a wide range of community consultees.
• The paper seeking a contribution towards funding Ascent 2000, a citizenship centre in Tower Hamlets was deferred for further work on the criteria for selecting projects for funding to be progressed and reported back
• The paper on the proposed “Refer a Friend” scheme was also referred back for further consultation on the proposal to take place

Human Resources Committee 5 June

• Recruitment and retention: information is contained in the report on the MPS Diversity Strategy elsewhere on the Board agenda.
• Recruitment and retention strategy improvement plan: emphasis is being given to considering any particular concerns for minority and ethnic and female staff and other underrepresented groups to ensure appropriate focus is given. Actions thus determined will help reduce any disproportionate wastage and thereby assist in increasing overall proportions of underrepresented groups in the workforce.
• Employment terms and policy – transgender people –report attached as appendix 1.
• Performance of recruits at Hendon: a revised report on this subject will be submitted to the October meeting of the Board.
• Monitoring of MPA activities 2002/03: The report directly addresses the impact upon gender and ethnic origin, but highlights the forthcoming implications of the European Union Employment Framework Directive – Council Directive 2000/78/EC of 27 November 2000 which establishes a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation and prohibits discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, religion or belief, disability, and age.

Finance Committee 9 June

• Review of the Authority’s Contract Regulations and Scheme of Delegation – the equalities and diversity statement was considered by the Board at its last meeting.
• Indemnity Cover – a general indemnity was introduced which will ensure parity of treatment across all staff groups who may be subject to professional indemnity claims.
• MPS Information, computing and telecommunications strategy and its implementation: 2003/04 – 2003/05: All solutions provided through the ICT Infrastructure Strategy pay particular attention to the needs of special groups. The staff of DoI work closely with the Occupational Health Directorate of the MPS to ensure the needs of any individual can be accommodated.
• MPS e-policing strategy Implementation of electronic alternatives may assist in increased opportunities for police to interact with “hard to reach” groups or those subject to additional communication difficulties.

Professional Standards 16 June

• Complaints management information: Appendix 2 to the paper sets out the analysis on discipline and complaints data prepared by the diversity Directorate.
• Reporting wrongdoings update: the policy is reported as effective in offering protection to officers and staff who might have perceived themselves as vulnerable when making a complaint without its provisions.

Consultation Committee 19 June

• Youth consultation strategy: the paper outlined the schools consultation exercise.
• Islamic community safety: the measures set in place to reassure Muslim communities throughout London and to monitor tension indicators.
• Independent Advisory Groups’ (IAG) role in consultation: confirms that the Diversity Directorate is working with boroughs to ensure that local IAGs are established across London.

Co-ordination and Policing Committee 20 June

• Virdi Report: update on progress on the recommendations of the Report
• Sponsorship: sets out the criteria for MPA sponsorship of community activities and received approval for backing the Choice Radio anti-gun crime initiative

C. Equality and diversity implications

Central to the report.

D. Financial implications

None arising from this report.

E. Background papers

None.

F. Contact details

Report author:

For more information contact:

MPA general: 020 7202 0202
Media enquiries: 020 7202 0217/18

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