Governance structure
Equality and Diversity Joint Panel
The Panel consists of five Authority members (one from each of the Authority's Strategic Committees), an Executive Officer of the Force, other relevant staff of the Force and the Authority and individuals invited to serve by the Panel who are able, by reason of their specialist knowledge, expertise or experience, to contribute to the Panel's and the Authority's understanding of, or deliberations on, equality and diversity matters.
The Panel, on an on-going basis, is responsible for reviewing, developing and refining the Force’s and the Authority’s strategic direction and priorities in respect of equality and diversity.
The Panel also ensures the following: the effective application of procedures established to equality impact access policies, procedures and products; that the strategic equality and diversity priorities support and enhance the effective delviery of the Authority's and Force's functions and policies in the context of the Policing Staffordshire Strategy and Plan, the Trust and Confidence Strategy and the consultation and engagement framework; by effective monitoring, challenge and scrutiny the ongoing development and progress of the Force's and the Authority's Equality Schemes and the associated action plans.
The Panel monitors the equality and diversity landscape and environment and identify relevant changes that impact on the Authority and the Force. It identifies, promotes and encourages good practice and initiatives int he areas of its terms of reference and the use of appropriate independent advice and guidance.
The Panel makes recommendations for the Authority's consideration, with its minutes being submitted to the Authority.