Synopsis: Sefton: delivering the equality and diversity agenda

Placing the community and voluntary sector at the heart of public service delivery is Sefton Equalities Partnership’s approach to deliver the LAA outcomes of: Promoting equality Delivering economic inclusion for all Reducing hate crime and promoting community cohesion Establishing diversity as an economic, social and cultural asset Sefton Council for Voluntary Services (CVS) was commissioned to deliver the Equalities and Diversity Agenda across the Borough, because it has a: Unique set of established networks, and the LSP and local authority did not want to establish an alternative consultation and engagement mechanisms Positive reputation throughout the Borough and the level of trust in the organisation is high amongst diverse groups History of capacity building in enabling community and voluntary sector to deliver services The delivery of employment and service outcomes and engaging stakeholders is key to the creation of inclusive and cohesive communities. Embedding successful equality and diversity practice is paramount in achieving this. It was thought that no other organisation was appropriately placed to deliver the LAA outcomes. The mechanisms for delivery of these outcomes were the responsibility of the CVS. The outcomes were commissioned – not the means of achieving them