Purpose

As set out in the Equality Scheme, the role of a Member Champion for Equality is to: champion the programme of EDI initiatives and events hosted by SCDC, to Members; engage with officers, supporting the drafting and delivery of schemes and strategies for embedding EDI within our workstreams; identify EDI training and development needs for members; and to regularly meet with the EDI Team to discuss future plans and progress.

The purpose of this decision is to determine whether or not to appoint a Member Champion for Equality, and (if yes) specifically, whether or not to appoint Cllr Sunita Hansraj as a Member Champion for Equality.

The role of Member Champion is unremunerated and therefore there are no financial implications to the decision.

Decision

To Appoint Cllr Sunita Hansraj as a Member Champion for Equality.

Reasons for the decision

By appointing a Member Champion for Equality, the council will better embed Equality, Diversity and Inclusion within decision making, and will be better placed to advance its Equality Objectives as set out in the Equality Scheme.

Cllr Hansraj cares deeply about advancing equality diversity and inclusion within South Cambridgeshire and will fulfil the role to the best of her abilities.

Alternative options considered

Option 1: To not appoint a Member Champion for Equality

Option 2: To appoint a different member as a Member Champion for Equality.

Reason for Rejection:(Option 1) By appointing a Member Champion for Equality, the council will better embed Equality, Diversity and Inclusion within decision making, and will be better placed to advance its Equality Objectives as set out in the Equality Scheme. (Option 2) Cllr Hansraj cares deeply about advancing equality diversity and inclusion within South Cambridgeshire and will fulfil the role to the best of her abilities.