Agenda item

Report of the Town Clerk.

The Committee considered a report of the Town Clerk which had been submitted on behalf of the Members’ Diversity Working Party. The report recommended the introduction of aspirations in relation to representation on the Court of Common Council, as well as the introduction of a voluntary Members’ Diversity Charter.

It was noted that the report and recommendations had been amended, following discussion at the previous meeting, to reflect Members’ comments.

In addition to the recommendations in the report, whilst no targets in respect of Members to be elected were to be set, it was proposed that the outputs (i.e. the breakdown of Members elected) should be recorded in order to allow the position to be known and measured. The Committee agreed that this would be sensible.

In response to questions concerning the timing of the introduction of the Diversity Charter, it was clarified that Members should be able to sign up to the Charter now it was agreed, rather than having to wait until the next elections.

RESOLVED: That approval be given to:-

1.         The adoption of the aspirations for enhancing the diversity of candidates standing for the 2021 election as set out in the report (i.e. 30% female and 15% BAME).

2.         The adoption of aspirational figures to ensure candidates standing for the 2025 elections better reflect the demographics of City workers/residents;

3.         The measurement of outputs in respect of Member diversity breakdowns following elections; and,

4.         The introduction of a voluntary Diversity Charter for Members to consider signing up to, to publicly show commitment and help drive the debate internally on diversity and inclusion and approve the draft text of the Charter as set out in the report.