Introduction

Equality is a priority for the council and is a cross-cutting principle underpinning the delivery of our Council Plan. Across the plan, and through the design of our services and work with partners, we are committed to supporting those most in need of help and tackling inequalities.

Our vision for the borough is where we put residents first, working together to grow sustainable, resilient, and inclusive communities. The Bracknell Forest Council Plan 2023 to 2027 sets out our priorities to achieve this, both for and working with residents, businesses, and partners.

These priorities are:

In delivering these priorities, we want to make sure that our services are inclusive and accessible for all, and we are committed to working with our residents to achieve this. We strive to create an inclusive borough for all and to tackle inequalities where they exist. This commitment underpins everything we do and goes beyond our legal responsibilities.

The public sector equality duty

The public sector equality duty (PSED) is a key lever for making sure that public sector organisations like Bracknell Forest Council embed equality across all its policies and services. In carrying out its functions, the council is required to give due regard to the need to:

• eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation, and other conduct prohibited in the Act
• advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not
• foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic, and those who do not, including tackling prejudice and promoting understanding

The PSED also requires the council to:

1. Publish annual ‘equality information’ to demonstrate our compliance.
2. Set one or more ‘equality objective’ at least every 4 years.
3. Publish gender pay gap information annually.

It’s important that the council considers how its decisions advance equality, inclusion and diversity by removing or minimising disadvantages experienced by people because of their protected characteristics.

Protected characteristics

There are 9 ‘protected characteristics’ (detailed below) covered by the Equalities Act. For marriage and civil partnerships, the council is only required to make sure it eliminates discrimination, harassment, and victimisation on these grounds.

In addition, the council also considers how our services, policies, and practices could impact other groups who may face additional barriers. For example:

• people with caring responsibilities
• those who are care-experienced
• people facing financial hardship
• members of the military and veteran community

This report summarises how the council has advanced equalities and inclusivity and demonstrated how we have met our commitments set out in equality legislation over the period from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025.