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Objectives and activities

The Equalities and diversity workstream aims...

1. To support networking between sector support providers to promote collaborative pan-equality work on representation

The third sector is increasingly addressing the challenges and opportunities of bringing diverse equality groups together to tackle discrimination and abuse through pan-equality networks and projects. We will identify and disseminate good models of pan-equality work in the sector through events, resources and one-to-one support. We will also conduct learning events to enable peer support.

With the cohesion funding guidance threatening the existence of specialist equality groups, we will help support providers demonstrate the value of their work. We will identify key equality and human rights issues and help providers address these through consultation, research and learning events.

 
2. To increase opportunities for learning and collaboration between generalist and equalities support providers

Those who have direct experience of inequality and discrimination are best placed to develop solutions to achieve equality. However, frontline equalities organisations need support from both equalities and generalist providers. Our learning and collaboration programme will enable generalist support providers to tap into the expertise of equalities groups and build lasting relationships.

We will facilitate a small group of organisations to form a peer-learning network and carry out equality audits. We will also increase support to development workers, through bespoke and open training, to improve support to all frontline groups on equality and human rights. In addition, with the Performance workstream, we will pilot a model of peer reviews for equalities and generalist support providers.

 
3. We will increase access to information on good practice on equality, diversity and human rights in the third sector

There is considerable demand for information to be co-ordinated nationally and brought together in one place where it is accessible to local and regional equality projects. We will collate and present this information in this website and in Improving Support equality e-bulletins (you can sign up to receive the e-bulletins at the top of this page).

We will also establish an online database of equality support providers within the members' directory of this website, to help organisations better target useful partners and information.

 
4. To advise Capacitybuilders and the other national workstreams on equality and diversity so that support services reach, and are relevant to, the needs of diverse frontline organisations

Equalities support providers can lack access to national infrastructure and there is a limited capacity for them to engage with developments at a national level. We will harness the expertise of partner organisations and reference group members to help national support services be more relevant.

 
Collaboration

We carry out almost all our activities and events in partnership with support providers, and our approach is very responsive and participatory, so contact us if you want support with some work on equality or human rights! We are collaborating with the Performance workstream on a peer review pilot and Communications workstream on media training, and many of the other workstreams on extending reach.