Equality & Diversity

Current discrimination laws have developed over more than 40 years and have become extremely complex. There are currently nine major pieces of discrimination legislation, around 100 statutory instruments setting out connected rules and regulations and more than 2,500 pages of guidance and statutory codes of practice.

The Equality Act 2010 simplifies current arrangements so that those who benefit from the law, and those who need to comply with it, can readily understand it.

The underlying purpose of the Act and its accompanying package of measures is to strengthen protection, advance equality and simplify the law.

The Act:

1. Introduces a new Equality Duty on the public sector

2. Aims to end age discrimination

3. Requires transparency

4. Extends the scope of positive action

5. Strengthens enforcement arrangements

Blackpool Coastal Housing (BCH) is committed to providing services that meet the needs of all sections of the community housed by Blackpool Council, living near properties managed by BCH or seeking access to or information on housing services in the Blackpool area.

We seek to ensure that access, services and opportunities are equal, regardless of race, religion, culture, nationality, ethnic background, colour, physical or mental disability, gender, sexuality, age, literacy, income level and marital status.

BCH is also committed to developing a workforce and a democratic Board that reflects the community it serves. We seek to be an employer that values and develops the skills and abilities of people from different backgrounds.

We have an Equality and Diversity Champion on our Board, who works with our Equality and Diversity Officer to ensure our established policies, procedures, staff training and monitoring arrangements are up to date and adhered to. This helps us to ensure that all people are treated fairly.

Our Comprehensive Equality Policy sets out Blackpool Coastal Housing’s vision and commitment to ensure equality of access and opportunities for all. This policy has been developed to demonstrate our commitment to providing and improving quality services to all our community.

Our Single Equalities Scheme supports the delivery of our Comprehensive Equality Policy, and is focused on making improvements in five key performance areas:

• Knowing our 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

We are committed to tackling all forms of discrimination and exclusion across all Equality Strands and Protected Characteristics, recognising that any one person may be disadvantaged on more than one of the following grounds. 

• People from an ethnic minority group

• Younger and Older people

• People with a disability

• Men, Women or Transgender people

• Gay men, lesbian women or people who are bisexual

• People with a particular religious belief

• People who are married, single, separated, divorced or widowed

• People with dependents (including Carers)

• People whose health and wellbeing is poor or at risk

• People who are socially excluded

• Communities that are not cohesive or that are fragmented