To set our outcomes the Council considered:

• the Council’s ambitions, priorities and programme of work;

• the progress made in relation to the Council’s equality outcomes 2021-25;

• where the most disadvantage and inequality exist for different groups of people protected by the Equality Act 2010;

• information from our services;

• the views of local people (who share protected characteristics and represent those people), employees and Elected Members through much engagement activity including:

  • the research into the lived experiences of North Lanarkshire’s Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people and the ongoing associated work;

  • the annual tenant and resident conference;

  • Women’s Town Centre safety survey;

  • Community Boards self-assessment;

  • period dignity work;

  • a focussed session with disabled organisations;

  • a community survey was sent to 40 local organisations ensuring coverage of all 9 of the protected characteristics;

  • A focus group meeting with our Employee Equality Forum

  • a consultation event with members from the local BSL community;

  • a session at our annual disabled employee event; and

  • 2 sessions with our Elected Members.

• information from the 2022 Census;

• the Is Scotland Fairer report published by the Equality and Human Rights Commission; and

• the Public Sector Equality Duty (General Duty).

The equality outcomes for 2025-2029 are:

1. Care experienced young people, disabled people, minority ethnic people and women experiencing domestic abuse have warm, safe, affordable and accessible housing (including housing support) that meet their needs.

2. More disabled people, women and minority ethnic people have access to Council funded employability support programmes and business support.

3. Young adults, lone parents, women, disabled people and those from different faith groups access the services of the Tackling Poverty Team.

4. The educational attainment for children and young people with disabilities and/or additional support needs, Gypsy/traveller children and young carers continues to improve.

5. Our schools are safe, accessible and inclusive.

6. Increased opportunities for children and young people with protected characteristics to develop their employability skills to enable them to leave school with a positive destination.

7. Decision-making processes and services are influenced by the contributions of young people, women, minority ethnic people and disabled people.

8. Our buildings, places and spaces are safe, vibrant, inclusive and accessible, better serving the needs of people with protected characteristics through effective planning, design and development.

9. The services and information we provide are accessible and tailored to different people's needs.

10. Our employment practices actively encourage people to work for us, thrive and progress in their employment in NLC.

The following pages detail:

• The equality outcomes for the years 2025-29;

• the authority the outcome relates to – Council, Education or NL Licensing Board;

• The Council’s Business Plan priority the outcome aligns to;

• which aspects of the General Equality Duty the outcome advances:

1. Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and other conduct that is prohibited by the Equality Act 2010;
2. Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a relevant protected characteristic and those who do not; and
3. Foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not.

• The equality outcomes for the years 2025-29; and

• A summary of the equality issues and evidence that came from the engagement and evidence gathering that informed the setting of the outcomes.