ANNUAL REPORT ON EQUALITIES 2019

A copy of this report can be made available in alternative formats by calling 01243 785166 or emailing corporatepolicy@chichester.gov.uk

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Annual Report on Equalities 2019

1. Introduction

Our Equality Strategy Chichester District Council is committed to providing equality of opportunity in all our activities and to ensuring that discrimination does not occur. We strive for a workforce that reflects the diversity of the local community in order that our services are provided appropriately and the council benefits from a wealth of experiences. We also involve the wider community in our decision-making processes and aim to use our influence to progress equality issues in the district.

Our current Equality Strategy runs from 2017-21, and is a council-wide strategy, outlining our equality commitment to staff and members of the public. It sets out the measures the council is taking in order to meet the requirements of the Equality Act 2010.

Our ObjectivesThe Equality Strategy sets out four objectives for dealing with equality issues in providing services to the public and how we are run internally as an employer. These objectives are broad and strategic and influence how our services are designed and delivered. Our Equality Objectives are:

1. Customer Knowledge We will gather evidence on the profiles of our communities using a range of data sources and working in partnership with others. We will use this data to inform the types of services we offer and the most effective methods of delivery. We will work to understand who our customers are, who uses our services and who doesn’t and why. We will address any gaps in our customer profile by working with local groups in the community to understand the reasons behind non take up of services.

2. Economy and Employment We will use our power as a major employer in the area to ensure that we lead by example in our human resource practices on equality. We will do this by ensuring our policies on recruitment and retention of staff are sound and that our staff are adequately trained in equality and diversity matters.

3. Inclusion We will provide services in a way that will not discriminate against any protected groups within the community. We will consider the equality impact of any policies, procedures, initiatives and projects and will take mitigating action if adverse effects are identified wherever possible.

4. Accessibility We will ensure that the rural nature of our district is promoted and taken into account, whilst continuing to ensure that accessibility of service is a key consideration when designing new services or revising existing procedures.

Alongside our Equality Objectives, we aim to ensure that there is a safety net for the vulnerable including any protected groups and those who may be disadvantaged in any way. During our decision making processes we also consider the possible impact on a community in relation to a number of particular risks concerning housing/benefits, economy/recession, public sector funding and policy shifts, demographics and environmental issues.

This report provides an update on how we are progressing against these objectives.

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2. Progress against our Equality Objectives

Equality Objective One - Customer Knowledge

Action Update Lead officer

Let’s Talk PanelThe Communications Team continue to sign up members to the Let’s Talk Panel; people connected to Chichester District who want to hear about current consultations. Personal information including gender (although this is optional) and year of birth are collected from those who sign up online. This ensures the panel represents a mix of views and that views of certain groups can be identified and taken into account.

Sarah Parker

Service ReviewsEqualities data will be used where appropriate to inform the types of service offered and the most effective delivery methods. The way the council interacts with residents is considered as part of the annual programme of service reviews. Where service delivery is redesigned, the Council seeks to make services as accessible as possible for all residents and/or customers.

Andy Buckley

Community Wardens

Community Wardens continue to work in their areas; linking with the Neighbourhoods project in some areas and leading on projects in others, such as the new Witterings Community Watch scheme. They continue to provide a presence in the City Centre, supporting the Homeless Outreach Worker to ensure the safety of rough sleepers and encourage them to engage with services. Community Wardens continue to identify vulnerable people in their areas and respond to the concerns of their communities. Where there are community tensions, Community Wardens help to ensure lines of communication remain open and tensions do not escalate.

Pam Bushby

Grants

The Discretionary Grants scheme provides funding to businesses, charities and other voluntary/community sector organisations. To manage demand, Funding Priorities indicate the type of projects the Council would like to see delivered. This year, one of the priorities was “Targeted Projects - Projects where the primary benefit is to residents in greatest need.” This gives priority to projects that are: “locally appropriate, able to evidence need and offer effective solutions”. Full details of grants provided (and other sources of discretionary funding) can be found in the Annual Report of Grants and Concessions 2019/20 on the Council’s Website.

Dave Hyland

Integrated and Earliest Help Service (IPEH)

IPEH has undergone further transformation this year, with funding being reduced. Now known as the Early Help Service, it focusses on families who have a need for targeted intervention. CDC continues to support the service, taking a lead role on the Advisory Board and attending regular meetings to ensure families and young people identified as needing support are able to access it in a timely way. CDC also supports various Early Help projects aimed at certain groups in the community.

Pam Bushby

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Action Update Lead officer

Neighbourhoods Project

Following completion of the National ‘Think Family’ project, the Neighbourhoods Project now focuses on the former ‘Think Family’ areas, while widening its reach to other areas identified as being in need. In 2019, Holmbush play park in Midhurst has been improved and the forming of a community group is being considered for the area. In Chichester, refurbishment of the Community hub in Charles Avenue has been completed with funding from the Neighbourhoods Fund and will be open to the community soon. A community garden on Swanfield Park has been developed with the help of Chichester College, St Anthony’s school and the Neighbourhoods Fund, reclaiming an area that was previously being used for anti-social activity.

Pam Bushby

WellbeingOur Wellbeing service is planned and reviewed annually using current data sets to ensure it is targeted to the communities and groups most in need. New clients are asked about any additional needs they have for support to access information. We are able to offer resources suitable for people with a learning difficulty.

Elaine Thomas

Youth Engagement – ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing’

This programme for schools teaches five key skills, designed to develop emotional resilience, prevent stress and reduce the likelihood of developing mental illness. The programme was delivered in 6 primary schools this year. Monitoring takes place to capture the progress of pupils who have undertaken the session, which also helps us to understand young people’s perceptions of their own mental wellbeing.

Amy Loaring

Youth Engagement – ‘Ideas into Action’

The “Ideas into Action” programme encourages young people to have a better understanding of their local area, their views of it, and issues they think need action. They form political parties around those issues and officers undertake a mock election where parties champion their cause and seek votes. The programme was delivered in Midhurst Primary this year and we are working with a second venue for another session.

Jo Losack

Homelessness Review

A homelessness review was undertaken to determine the extent to which the District’s population is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The review assesses the likely extent of homelessness in the future, identifies what is currently being done and what resources are available to prevent and tackle homelessness.

Mina Kaur

Housing Needs Surveys

Housing Needs Surveys have been completed in 2019 for the parishes of Oving, Chidham and Hambrook, Wisborough Green and Kirdford to assess local housing requirements. Questionnaires were sent to every residential address within the parish. The reports summarise the key findings from the survey, whilst taking into account any available secondary information.

Bryn Jones

Multi-Agency PanelCDC hosts quarterly meetings with statutory partners, where information is shared about housing requirements for people needing adapted accommodation to meet specific needs. This includes the need for suitable accommodation for downsizers, wheelchair and accessible units.

Elizabeth Reed

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Action Update Lead officer

Revenues and Benefits – Customer Data

The Revenues and Benefits Team continue to collect and monitor equality data from customers. This is to ensure that the impact of any changes to local schemes is understood and support is relevant and targeted to those that require assistance and/or to any underrepresented group as appropriate.

Marlene Rogers

Equality Objective Two - Economy and Employment

Action Update Lead officer

Human ResourcesThe Council continues to be fully committed to equality in its recruitment and employment practices. The Council’s Equality & Diversity Policy adheres fully to the Equality Act 2010 and is available to all staff as part of the Staff Handbook, accessible on our Intranet.

Tim Radcliffe

Pay Review

In 2018, the Council conducted a major Pay Review involving all posts on national terms and conditions being reviewed and job evaluated. This resulted in a new pay grading structure coming into effect from April 2019. The review further checked that the Council is paying staff fairly. The process and any associated changes were and will continue to be undertaken according to Human Rights, Equality and employment law legislation. The impact by gender and pay band was analysed internally, then externally by Unison, the recognised trade union on behalf of the staff side. Their feedback was positive in regards to equalities considerations.

Andy Buckley

Tim Radcliffe

Workforce Development

In 2019 a new Workforce Development Plan for 2019-2022 was published, demonstrating the Council’s commitment to developing and supporting all our staff. It includes several schemes for staff development; the Talent Management Policy, Trainee and Placement Scheme, High Potential Development Scheme and Mentoring Scheme.

Tim Radcliffe

Safety Advisory Groups (SAGs)

The Licensing Team continue to co-ordinate and Chair SAGs, bringing together key partner agencies such as the Police, Fire, Ambulance, Highways and Environmental Health to advise event organisers on staging safe and successful events. The staging of such events results in benefits to the local economy, social, community and cultural benefits and helps with reducing social isolation across the district.

Laurence Foord

Staff WellbeingOur Wellbeing team provide support for staff to improve their lifestyles through healthy eating and regular exercise and in particular to manage and reduce stress. We have delivered mindfulness courses to staff, a new stress self-assessment tool, Wellness action plans and training for all managers.

Elaine Thomas

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Action Update Lead officer

Choose Work

Choose Work provides support for local residents trying to gain employment, through 1-2-1 support or regular group workshops. The team has again worked with a local company to deliver the “Be the Change” programme to secondary school students. The scheme looks to inspire young people and encourage a new focus on their education and future potential and provides a series of workshops as well as matching students with mentors from local businesses (including 6 CDC staff).

Dave Hyland

Health Protection – Car Wash Project

Inspections were carried out at six car wash businesses in the District this year, following national reports of poor standards. Inspections looked for potential dangers to staff from exposure to chemicals and water, staff welfare (including any suggestion of modern slavery) and waste water disposal.  No major issues were found, although referrals for any ongoing work were discussed with partner agencies involved as necessary.

Lauren Dyer

Health Protection – Food Hygiene Training

It is a legal requirement that those handling food or operating food businesses have food safety training to an appropriate level. The Council is one of few authorities to offer nationally recognised, certified training courses. This year, the team has engaged a new provider who are able to offer examination papers in a wider range of languages and offer bespoke training in food premises out of office hours should that be required.

Lauren Dyer

Health Protection – Support for food businesses

The Team produces a quarterly e-publication for food businesses, providing a summary of relevant new legislation, recent court cases, technical advice and seasonal themes.  An article about the duty to make reasonable adjustments to cater for disabilities has been included. The team is also supporting small and medium food businesses with advice about preparing for Brexit, with a focus on Export Health Certificates.

Lauren Dyer

Legal and Democratic Services

All lawyers supporting committee reports and democratic services officers have equalities training including application of the Equalities Act to ensure committee reports (and any supporting documents including impact assessments) are Equalities Act aware and compliant. Lawyers advising Councillors apply their Equalities Act training when giving advice and encourage transparency so observers can understand how the Act has been applied. All lawyers are required to maintain awareness of the Equalities Act as part of their ongoing competence requirements under the Solicitors Regulation Authority. On claims against the Council that include assertions of Equalities Act failings the Council obtains external specialist legal advice. Specific specialist annual training for committees with a quasi-judicial function includes Equalities Act training to ensure that the application of any Equalities advice given is considered against the issues relevant to those committees.

Nick Bennett

Business GrantsThe Economic Development Service delivers a grants programme to assist the District’s small and independent businesses. In 2019, the programme supported 27 small businesses; 7 based in the north of the District, 9 in the south and 11 in Chichester City. Grants have assisted businesses with development plans, as well as protecting existing jobs and creating new opportunities. 4 grants have been used to support new apprentices.

Melanie Burgoyne

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Action Update Lead officer

Retail Training Programme and Shop Front Grants Support

Through 2019, the Economic Development service have continued to deliver a programme of Retail Training and associated Shop Front Grants. To reflect the variety of applicants’ abilities regarding computer use, we adjusted the application process to ensure it was accessible to all. 6 workshops were delivered in 2019 and 156 mentoring sessions were conducted with high street independent retailers. This has helped to address the differences in skills across the variety of independent retail businesses.

Melanie Burgoyne

Building Services

In addition to delivering construction projects and services, the Building Services team provide technical support to other service areas to ensure that people with protected characteristics who are affected by work undertaken are fully considered. This input is provided throughout all the stages of a project, ensuring that the service department is fully aware of its own and appointed consultants responsibilities to comply with legal duties under current Equalities legislation. The process ensures that major capital and planned maintenance revenue projects are individually assessed and achieve compliance with building regulations, published disability guidance where appropriate and health and safety legislation.

John Bacon

Equality Objective Three - Inclusion

Action Update Lead officer

Events and Promotion

The council appointed a new Events & Promotions Officer this year, with the main purpose of promotion, coordination and management of events and filming across the District. The role is key in developing an all year round programme of events that meet the needs of our community and to further build on our existing relationships to help maximise event attendance by all groups, along with promotion of Chichester District as a destination experience. The Events and Promotions Officer is now developing the Council’s first documented Events Strategy.

Amy Sykes

Community Cohesion This year saw a levelling out in the number of traveller incursions and these were dealt with effectively, ensuring the needs of the community and the travellers were met as much as possible. Early engagement generally ensured fewer issues were reported. The Gypsy Traveller transit site liaison meetings continue and pick up any potential issues before they escalate. The multi-agency Joint Action Group (JAG) led by CDC has been monitoring tensions relating to BREXIT which have been few but will continue to be monitored as the date for leaving the EU gets closer. The JAG also monitors hate crime data to identify trends and repeat victims. CDC officers work alongside WSCC who have the lead for hate crime and have supported any campaigns that are running.

Pam Bushby

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Action Update Lead officer

Exploitation

Established last year, the Serious Organised Crime (SOC) Group has continued to meet quarterly in 2019 and identify any threats. County Lines (drug gangs expanding into the District, using violence or threats of violence to drive out local dealers and exploit children and vulnerable people to sell drugs) remain a focus and there is an established procedure and response around this. The SOC group will now be focusing on modern slavery; scoping the scale of the issue in Chichester District, raising awareness and taking appropriate actions when necessary. Safeguarding training delivered to CDC staff, volunteer groups and organisations has included the signs of modern slavery and how to report it. CDC has a legal duty to report any suspected cases to the Home office.

Pam Bushby

Our City

Chichester in Partnership launched the “Our City” project in May 2019 to help vulnerable people feel safe in our city. Those taking part are given a card to write the contact details of two relatives, friends or carers. If they need help when out and about, they can take the card into a participating shop where staff will be trained to offer basic help and can contact the people named on the card if more assistance is required. Participating shops and venues will display a window sticker to make it obvious that they are involved.

Amy Loaring

Social PrescribingSince July 2018, the Social Prescribing Team has worked with GPs to encourage referrals for patients who present with non-medical issues. This includes support to manage debt and benefits concerns, housing issues and access to community groups to reduce isolation.

Elaine Thomas

Wellbeing

The Wellbeing and Social Prescribing services are for any adults and can be adapted to accommodate the needs of individuals e.g. home visiting, translation services. All Wellbeing staff have had training in equalities. We have worked with the Chichester Dementia alliance to encourage local businesses to become dementia friendly and recognise the needs of their customers.

Elaine Thomas

Recycling Advice and Guidance

Residents in Chichester District can recycle a range items in their household recycling bin. Other items can be taken to the local household waste recycling site. The Waste and Recycling Team provides advice and guidance on what can and cannot be recycled in a variety of ways to ensure the information is accessible to all residents.

Kevin Carter

Assisted Waste Collection Service Our domestic waste collection service requires householders to place bins at the boundary of their property

on collection day. Where residents are disabled or frail we offer an assisted collection whereby the crew will

Kevin Carter

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Action Update Lead officer

collect the bin from a location convenient to the resident.

The Novium

The Novium Museum provides a high standard of access for disabled users. An accessibility guide is available on the website to inform people about the site before they visit. When planning new exhibitions, we continue to work with Chichester Access Group to ensure they are as inclusive as possible, removing barriers to access for a range of people with disabilities. We aim content at varied audiences, including families and children, developing layers of interpretation to achieve this. Museum workshops are available for people with dementia and their carers and we provide a range of talks, displays and events in the community for those unable to reach the museum. As part of Chichester Roman Week, some events are offered free of charge to remove barriers to participation across the community. We offer an active and expanding volunteer programme, open to all age groups and abilities, along with work placements to support people going back into employment and work experience placements for local students.

Stephanie Thorndyke

Leisure Centres – Everyone Active The Active for Health scheme continues to go from strength to strength with more than 4500 sessions each

year to people returning to fitness and recreation. The activity is bespoke to the individual who might otherwise find it difficult to take part. Westgate Leisure works closely with medical practitioners to offer this. Further development of the scheme has seen Cancer rehabilitation classes added to the programme.

The walks programme has grown in 2019 and now includes walks in Midhurst as well as Chichester.

Fall prevention classes take place at all three sites, offering exercise to improve mobility, balance and independence. The exercises increase confidence in day to day activities and help prevent falls in the future.

A Dementia Friendly/Older adult open day with taster sessions including Bowls, Badminton and Swimming was held again at Westgate Leisure Centre, Chichester, in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society.

All centres offer free access for Looked After Children and their carers for a number of activities, funded by the Council and the operator; Everyone Active. Free access is also offered to other Carers, when attending with those being cared for. Compass Card holders with disabilities are also offered discounted rates.

Junior Gym sessions for all children aged 11 and up have continued to be very successful. The benefits of exercise affect all age categories but specifically it has been shown that teenagers particularly benefit from:

Weight control, better skin, stronger muscles and bones all helping to develop a positive body image Reduced stress which can be additionally beneficial around exam times Improved mood; research shows that regular exercise reduces symptoms of mild to moderate

depression and enhances psychological fitness. Exercise can even produce changes in certain chemical levels in the body, which can have an effect on the psychological state. Studies have found

Sarah Peyman

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Action Update Lead officer

that physically active people were half as likely to be depressed as non-active people Fewer colds through a stronger immune system More brainpower; exercise boosts blood flow to the brain and helps it receive oxygen and nutrients Young people engaged in positive exercise settings and team sports are less likely to get involved

with crime.

The Branching Out Club, operated by Westgate Leisure Centre, provides short breaks for disabled people, offering a variety of activities to children and young people with disabilities. Westgate Leisure also operates as a venue for external organisations to offer services; for example, ‘Out There’; a community group which helps those with learning disabilities engage with sport and use both the gym and swimming pool.

The 2019 Get Active festival involved over 35 different sports and activity organisations from the local area, offering free taster sessions for the whole family.

Walking Netball / Football

Walking Netball and Football sessions continue to take place weekly at Westgate and The Grange Leisure Centres (football only at The Grange) and we have added a Walking Football session at Bourne in 2019.

Sarah Peyman

Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP)

The AQAP continues to deliver actions to address air quality. The 3 air quality management areas are mainly associated with vehicle emissions and, as such, pollution tends to impact more on areas of housing close to busy roads. Poor air quality tends to impact those with pre-existing respiratory and circulatory health issues and in particular the very young and elderly. The Action Plan aims to improve air quality and/or inform persons or their carers about poor air quality to enable better management of conditions.

Alison Stevens

Green Gym – Brandy Hole Copse

The Green Gym project aims to help participants’ physical and mental health, through practical conservation tasks. Sessions take place bi-monthly at Brandy Hole Copse Local Nature Reserve. The Green Gym was promoted to health service providers to encourage them to refer suitable individuals to the scheme. The sessions aim to teach participants new skills that can help them improve their job prospects, provide regular exercise, encourage older people to stay independent for longer and offer a social activity that helps participants make new friends and break social isolation.

Alison Stevens

Litter Enforcement The Council has an agreement with East Hants District Council to carry out litter enforcement in Chichester District, involving patrolling officers issuing fixed penalty notices (FPNs) to litter offenders. It is our policy not to issue FPNs to children. Where older children are witnessed littering, they may be given a FPN but if they can produce ID to show they are under 18, the FPN will be cancelled. Certain groups will also not be given FPNs such as; those who appear to lack capacity to understand the offence due to mental illness, learning

Alison Stevens

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Action Update Lead officer

difficulties or other condition and those with a disability that prevents them from picking up the litter.

Corporate Debt Recovery Policy - Development

In 2019, the Council reviewed our Corporate Debt Recovery and Write-off Policies and created one new Corporate Debt Recovery Policy. This will come into effect in early 2020, if approved by Corporate Governance and Audit Committee and Cabinet. The new policy sets out the general principles the Council applies to debt management across all service areas and the circumstances under which a debt is considered for write off. The aim is to achieve the prompt collection of money due, and to maximise collection, whilst ensuring that a fair, proportionate and consistent approach is taken to the recovery of sums not paid. The policy recognises that some customers experience difficulties in paying and where this is identified and it is appropriate we will offer support aimed at assisting customers to meet their obligations.

During policy development, an equalities impact assessment was carried out and concluded that the policy has a positive impact on some individuals with protected characteristics and a neutral effect on other groups. The review has also taken account of the “Stop the Knock” campaign from the Money Advice Service, which sets out 6 recommendations for local authorities to consider to improve their collection process. Some of these have already been adopted and others will be further explored and implemented if appropriate.

Helen Belenger

Emergency Planning The Council’s policy on the issuing of sand bags in the event of a flood emergency includes issuing them to elderly and/or disabled residents who are unable to make their own provision to protect their property.

Warren Townsend

Adoption of Discretionary Disabled Grants Policy

In 2019 the Council adopted a new Discretionary Disabled Facilities Grants Policy for the award of Discretionary Housing Payments for residents in receipt of Housing Benefit or Universal Credit. This offers a far wider range of adaptations than has been offered before and includes grants to help provide emergency works for those waiting to leave hospital, funds to help those who need to move to a more suitable home or who require technology to keep them safe and independent at home.

Elizabeth Reed

Community Led Housing The Council continues to work with community groups to help meet their communities’ housing needs and is now supporting eight community groups.

Linda Grange

Homelessness Prevention

A Homelessness Prevention Fund was introduced this year to make financial assistance available, in the form of a grant, to eligible households who are prevented from joining the Council’s housing register because they have significant housing related debt.

Marie Grele

Rough Sleeper Outreach Work In 2019 a new Rough Sleeper Outreach Worker was recruited. The post holder is now based at the

Stonepillow day centre and regularly patrols the streets with the primary role of engaging rough sleepers and

Marie Grele

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Action Update Lead officer

supporting them to access accommodation and services.

Careline Service

In 2019, the Careline telecare service was taken over by PPP Taking Care; a private provider. The agreement, effective from 1 March 2019, included elements ensuring that statutory compliance (including safeguarding) followed on from the strong position set by CDC. There are many national requirements that PPP Taking Care will be required to comply with, as an organisation having a role with vulnerable persons. Legal burdens to ensure proper care, which the Council operated under, continue to apply. Prior to the transfer, CDC Members received a presentation from PPP Taking Care, setting out their corporate agendas, corporate responsibility policies and existing practices in areas including safeguarding.  Additionally, the Monitoring Officer reviewed many of their policies to ensure they matched or exceeded those set by CDC, to ensure that the company would take proper care of its customers and existing staff.

Nick Bennett

British Parking Association Safer Parking and Disabled Parking Accreditation

The British Parking Association provides an accreditation scheme, which assesses car park safety.  This scheme has been in place in Chichester city car parks for a number of years; however, we have continued to work towards gaining it in as many car parks as possible. 27 of the 30 car parks across the District now have the accreditation. This provides assurances to customers from a safety perspective and feedback (particularly from older customers) suggests that this is important to them.

In addition, Disabled Parking Accreditation assessments have been carried out, with 27 car parks accredited under this scheme.  The scheme requires owners/operators of car parks to adopt an active management strategy to ensure minimal occurrence of disabled bay abuse, facilities are suitable for disabled people and recognition is made of the extra time taken by disabled people in the form of a concession.

Tania Murphy

Health Care and Carer Permits

The Parking Services team continue to administer Health Care and Carer permits for healthcare workers needing to visit those receiving care in their homes within the Controlled Parking Zone. The permits help residents stay in their own homes for longer by enabling easy access to provide the required care. Where customers are in receipt of particular benefits, carer permits can be provided free of charge.

Tania Murphy

Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs)

Parking Services has undertaken to review and update the procedure for verbal challenges against PCNs. The process ensures that those who are unable to write to the council have other means to make their challenge, either in person or over the phone and that all staff are properly trained to follow the procedure.

Tania Murphy

Town and City Centre Co-Ordination - Sea’s The Day

The ‘Sea’s the Day’ project has captured stories and memories from the Selsey fishing beach told by the fishermen and their families, aiming to make sure the fishing heritage of Selsey is not forgotten and to help ensure it has a future by raising the profile of the modern fishing industry. As part of the project, a short film (for which National lottery funding was received) has been produced with the assistance of two young

Tania Murphy

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Action Update Lead officer

people from Selsey who gained a Bronze Arts Award in the process.

Town and City Centre Co-Ordination - Midhurst Vision

CDC Staff supported the Midhurst Vision Steering Group to deliver a survey to find out what local people and stakeholders think of Midhurst. The survey was completed mostly online, with questions carefully written for readability and clarity. Personal questions deemed unnecessary were not included. The survey was also printed and made available from a central, easily accessible location in Midhurst. Staff and volunteers ran drop-in sessions to help people complete the survey if they needed assistance. The Vision consultation also involved community workshops, with invitees from all sectors of the local community, including representatives for local residents and businesses. The survey happened at a time that was inconvenient for the local school, so in recognition of this, the survey was extended to allow some pupils to take part.

Tania Murphy

Planning Policy

As part of the process for producing key Planning Policy documents, Equality Impact Assessments (EIAs) are carried out to ensure the effects of policies on all groups with protected characteristics have been considered. An EIA was carried out in late December 2018 to consider the impact of the vision and objectives and the policies contained in the Local Plan Review Preferred Approach and assess these for the likely impact on groups with protected characteristics.

Toby Ayling

Customer ServicesAll customer services staff who respond to enquiries via the telephone and face to face have been trained in Dementia awareness this year, to enable them to identify and support residents accordingly. The service provides a face to face reception for residents who require assistance and where required a 1-1 advice service is made available. This includes support for residents who are using the Council’s online services.

Fiona Delahunty

Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) Scheme

The DHP Scheme supports residents who are experiencing financial hardship when their normal Housing Benefit or Universal Credit award does not cover their full housing costs. The policy supports residents who are vulnerable, particularly those with protected characteristics and reduces the risk of homelessness. Welfare reforms such as the benefit cap, local housing allowance rate restrictions and the roll out of universal credit have increased the demand on DHPs. The DHP policy aims to assist residents on a short term basis to enable them to manage the shortfall in their housing costs whilst working towards a longer term solution e.g. moving to cheaper accommodation and/or increasing their working hours. Where appropriate, residents will be signposted to additional support, including debt management advice and assistance through the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Marlene Rogers

Local Council TaxReduction (CTR) Scheme

The Council’s CTR Scheme is a generous one, which still provides up to 100% financial assistance on Council Tax bills to residents who qualify. The discretionary policy that sits within the scheme also includes awarding 100% CTR to care leavers up until their 22nd birthday. This is an agreement with West Sussex

Marlene Rogers

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Action Update Lead officer

County Council as young care leavers have been identified as a vulnerable group.

Universal Credit (UC)

UC full service was introduced across the district on 4 July 2018. From this date, (with some exceptions), new working age claimants are required to claim Universal Credit. Prior to the roll out, a magazine giving information about UC was sent to every working age household in the district. 6 customer-facing computers are available in the main reception area of East Pallant House to allow residents without internet access at home to make or manage a claim, with support from Council Officers if required. Officers also signpost residents to the Jobcentre for assistance in applying for Universal Credit or employment assistance. The Housing service has a Tenancy Sustainment Officer and a Housing Welfare Officer to work with residents and assist them in managing and maintaining their UC payments and household budgets.

Marlene Rogers

Marie Grele

Equality Objective Four – Accessibility

Action Update Lead officer

Electoral Services

Electoral Services follow guidance from the Electoral Commission to ensure there are no barriers to voting for any protected groups and everyone can vote on their own and in secret. All polling stations are equipped with large print ballot papers, tactile voting devices for partially sighted voters and wheelchair accessible polling booths.  Electors who need assistance can receive independent unbiased help from the Presiding Officer on duty. This year there were 3 all-out elections, including 1 during winter, which required extra work to ensure polling stations remained accessible to all.

Joanna Ward

Facilities – Operational Buildings

The Council has worked with members of the Chichester Access Group to make adjustments to its operational buildings, both in terms of general accessibility and more specifically to increase the number of public conveniences that have adjustments made to ensure they are accessible for all users.

Andy Buckley

ICT - Website

As part of the new accessibility regulations (The Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No.2) Accessibility Regulations 2018) we plan to carry out a complete audit of our web estate and publish an accessibility statement. In 2019, our website scored in the ‘Top 20’ of all local authorities for Website Accessibility, demonstrating that we are working towards the new legislation. In October 2019, we were one of 217 local authorities who signed the Local Digital Declaration; a sign of our intent to align all our digital services to best meet the needs of customers and follow a unified set of content and accessibility standards.

Harvey Monaghan

Street Trading Consents Standard consents for street trading, including markets, include conditions to maintain accessibility such as David

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Action Update Lead officer

setting a minimum distance to be left between stalls and between stalls and permanent shops. Knowles-Ley

Driving Licence Checks for Taxi Licences

This year, the Licensing Team appointed a new contractor to undertake all driving licence checks associated with taxi licence applicants. The automated system offered by the new provider gives significant benefits for customers and staff, in particular its speed and accuracy. It also removed the need for existing license holders to complete a paper form every three years. Instead, staff scan their DVLA issued photo-card driving licence at the council offices to undertake all the necessary checks in one simple transaction.

David Knowles-Ley

Shopmobility

A Shopmobility service provided by Community First continues to operate from East Pallant car park, providing mobility scooters for visitors with limited mobility, to enable improved access to the city centre retail and cultural destinations. The service also provides training for new mobility scooter users as well as longer term equipment hire. The service is supported by Parking Services (a number of parking bays are set aside for the service to operate from) and in part with Council Grant funding.

Dave Hyland and Tania

Murphy

Technology Doesn’t Byte – Chichester in Partnership

Many services are reducing their physical presence in rural areas or only making services available online and those who do not have the access or skills to use digital services are left increasingly isolated. Opportunities for social interactions are reduced and they can be financially deprived as they cannot access online deals. ‘Technology Doesn’t Byte’ is a 12 week course piloting in the Swanfield centre, Chichester that helps people learn skills to use technology to access services and improve their lives. If successful we will look to franchise the project to other local community groups over the coming years.

Amy Loaring

WellbeingWellbeing Advisors work regularly from accessible community venues across the district, particularly in the rural areas to ensure all residents are able to access the service. Social Prescribers are based in all GP practices across the district and are able to do home visits for people unable to travel.

Elaine Thomas

Online Waste Services

Online service provision for waste and recycling services continues to be a key objective in order to maximise access to information and services in a user friendly and efficient way. Services currently available online include checking collection dates, booking bulky household waste collection, garden recycling service subscriptions, reporting of missed bins and purchasing a new bin. These can all be done online through simple, easy to use forms. It is recognised that not everyone has access to digital services so we have continued to offer assisted self-service, where our Customer Services Team will complete an online transaction on the resident’s behalf. We will continue to monitor the quality of the online user experience and welcome feedback that allows us to make improvements.

Kevin Carter

Leisure Centres – Everyone Active All 3 leisure centres continue to hold Inclusive Fitness Initiative status which recognises improved Sarah

Peyman15

Action Update Lead officer

accessibility for disabled people to use the gym and fitness equipment.

Foreshores ServiceThe Foreshores Service, based during the summer season at Bracklesham Bay, is responsible for ensuring people with disabilities are able to access the beach. They clear paths and ensure signage is in place to support this.

Alison Stevens

Out of Hours ServicesThe Health Protection team provide their service during evenings and weekends to suit opening hours of food businesses.  This includes routinely attending various weekend leisure events across the district to carry out food safety and health and safety inspections.  The team also coordinates and contributes to the councils out of hours emergency service for environmental health and emergency planning issues.

Lauren Dyer

Blue Badge Enforcement

Civil Enforcement Officers continue to support West Sussex County Council to tackle Blue Badge misuse. They are trained to identify and retain misused and/or expired badges. In 2018/19, 48 badges were retained, which led to nearly 30 motorists attending a Community Resolution and 2 cases being sent for prosecution. To strengthen the campaign against Blue Badge misuse, a media release was shared and online platforms were used to encourage people to report misuse and to support the scheme. This initiative recognises that Blue Badge misuse is not only fraud, but can mean that genuine, vulnerable users are deprived of vital services because parking spaces are taken by fraudsters.

Tania Murphy

Changing Places Public Convenience

Changing Places is an organisation that campaigns on behalf of people unable to use standard accessible toilets, including those with profound and multiple learning difficulties and their carers. The Council provides a fully equipped Changing Places facility in the public convenience building in Northgate car park, Chichester. This facility was the overall UK winner in the ‘Space to Change’ category at the 2019 ‘Loo of the Year’ Awards and, along with another Council facility in Midhurst, received ‘Platinum’ status. This places Chichester in the top 20 Local Authority public convenience providers nationally.

Tania Murphy

Community Bus BaysSeveral bays for Community Buses are provided within council-owned car parks for use by organisations who transport older, frail or disabled residents around the district. The bays provide a designated location for these customers to be safely dropped off and collected. This year, due to the demand, further bays have been provided in a rural car park.

Tania Murphy

Parking for disabled customers To help people with disabilities gain easy access to the City, most pay and display car parks have specially

allocated parking spaces.  These spaces, along with any others in the pay and display car parks (the Avenue de Chartres Pay on Foot car park excepted) can be used free of charge provided the vehicle is displaying a valid blue badge or foreign disabled badge and the registered person is driving or a passenger.

Tania Murphy

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Action Update Lead officer

This year, further parking bays for blue badge holders have been provided.

Parking Payment Options

Parking payment machines have been replaced with machines that are fully compliant with the British Standard relating to Parking control equipment (BS 8300).  All machines except for those in the Westgate and Avenue De Chartres car parks accept coin, card and contactless payment. In addition, the MiPermit payment facility is in place across all car parks, enabling payment by phone or app.  Many customers from protected groups (particularly older customers and those with mobility issues) benefit from the accessible machines or from being able to use a phone or app to pay for parking without the need to visit a machine.  Parking payment machines also provide information in a number of different languages. Since the new machines have been introduced there has been a reduction in machine-related complaints.

Tania Murphy

Estates Service

The Council’s non-operational properties are managed by the Estates team who continue to have regard to the needs of various groups within our community. We work with tenants to support them in providing improved access to premises and are currently facilitating a new lease on land adjacent to Crossfield Public Conveniences in Fernhurst, to enable the Parish Council to install a disabled access ramp. In developing plans for the refurbishment and redevelopment of the St James Industrial Estate in Chichester, accessibility is key in delivering refreshed accommodation that fulfils the requirements of all potential future users.

Kevin Gillet

Revenues and Benefits Online Services

Since October 2017 the service has operated using Citizens Access; an online service enabling residents to access Revenues and Benefits online. Citizens Access – Benefits allows residents to submit a new housing benefit claim, notify us of a change in circumstances, upload supporting documents and view notification letters online. Citizens Access - Revenues allows residents to manage Council Tax and/or Business Rates accounts and notify us of changes online. Both services are available 24/7 and enable customers to self-serve as much as possible, allowing Officers to spend more time supporting vulnerable residents. Residents who require assistance using the online services can come into East Pallant House for help.

Marlene Rogers

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3. 2018/19 HR statistics

Table 3.1 Staff by headcount (Permanent, Temporary and Fixed-Term) by Division & Grade as at 31.3.19 Following a management restructure, some teams have moved Divisions in 2019/20. Teams that have moved are shown in their new positions in the tables below, although they refer to the previous year. Careline, for example, are not included, the Wellbeing Team are included as part of the Communities Division and Customer Services have been included as part of the Revenues, Benefits and Customer Services Division.

Grade / Division 1 & 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 12+ TotalSLT - - 2 - - - - - - - - 7 9Development Management 15 8 6 3 5 10 4 4 - 1 - - 56Planning Policy - - - 4 2 1 5 - - 1 - - 13Environmental Protection 2 - 2 4 4 7 4 3 1 - - - 27Housing - 4 3 7 5 4 4 - - 1 - - 28Communities and Wellbeing - - 11 10 5 - 3 1 - - - - 30Health Protection 4 - 1 2 3 2 1 - 1 - - - 14Financial Services 2 2 3 6 2 5 1 2 - 1 - - 24Business Support 2 6 8 8 6 12 3 3 1 1 - - 50Democratic Services 2 1 - 1 2 4 1 1 1 1 - - 14Revenues, Benefits and Customer Services 4 35 10 6 2 4 1 2 1 - - - 65Contract Services 59 13 45 5 8 - - 2 1 1 - - 134Culture and Sport 2 4 3 2 2 - 1 1 - - - - 15Place 2 6 7 - 2 2 - - 1 - - - 20Communication, Licensing and Events 5 1 - 7 1 - 1 1 1 - - - 17Property and Growth 1 1 4 - 4 3 3 2 - 2 - - 20

Totals 100 81 105 65 53 54 32 22 8 9 0 7 536

The staff headcount of 536 translates into 481.55 full-time equivalents (FTEs). This compares to a headcount of 554 and 491.25 FTEs at 31 March 2018. Chichester Contract Services employ agency staff and throughout the year we employ on average 2 other agency staff each week. Some of the shortfall in filling Planning and Environmental Health posts is met by short term use of qualified agency employees.

Table 3.2 Staff by Gender & Grade as at 31.3.19

Grade / Gender 1 & 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 12+ TotalsMale 67 33 58 24 27 29 15 11 4 6 0 3 277Female 32 48 47 41 26 25 17 11 5 3 0 4 259

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Totals 99 81 105 65 53 54 32 22 9 9 0 7 536

For comparison, the total of male staff in 2017/18 was 267 and the total of female staff was 287

Table 3.3 Staff by Age as at 31.3.19

Age Range 0 – 19 20 - 29 30 – 39 40 - 49 50 - 59 60 - 69 70+ TotalNumber of staff 2 61 108 146 148 66 5 536

It is important to note from a succession planning perspective that the Council has a significant number of staff over 50.

Table 3.4 Starters by Division and Grade as at 31.3.19

A total of 82 staff joined the organisation between 1st April 2018 and 31st March 2019. This compares to 56 staff that joined the organisation the previous year.

Grade / Division 1 & 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 12+ TotalSLT - - - - - - - - - - - - 0Development Management 4 2 4 1 - 3 2 - - - - - 16Planning Policy - - - - - - 1 - - - - - 1Environmental Protection - - - 1 - 2 - - - - - - 3Housing 1 - 2 1 2 - - - 1 - - - 7Communities and Wellbeing - 1 6 - - - - - - - - - 7Health Protection - - - - - - - - - - - - 0Financial Services - - - - - 1 - - - - - - 1Business Support 1 - - - - - - - 1 - - - 2Democratic Services 3 - - - - - - - - - - - 3Revenues, Benefits and Customer Services 2 9 - - - - - - - - - -- 11Contract Services 20 - - - - - - - - 1 - - 21Culture and Sport - - - - - - - - - - - - 0Place - - 2 - - - - - - - - - 2Communication, Licensing and Events - - 1 - 1 - - - - - - - 2Property and Growth 1 - 3 - 1 1 - - - - - - 6

Totals 32 12 18 3 4 7 3 0 2 1 0 0 82

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Table 3.5 Leavers by Division and Grade as at 31.3.19

A total of 62 staff left the organisation between 1st April 2018 and 31st March 2019. 58 staff left the organisation last year.

Grade / Division 1 & 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 12+ TotalSLT - - - - - - - - - - - - 0Development Management 3 - - - 1 - 1 - - - - - 5Planning Policy - - - - 2 2 1 - - - - - 5Environmental Protection - - - - 1 1 - - - - - - 2Housing - - - 1 1 - - - - - - - 2Communities and Wellbeing - - 3 - - - - - - - - - 3Health Protection - - - - - 1 - - - - - - 1Financial Services 1 - - - - 1 - - - - - - 2Business Support - 1 - - - - - - - - - - 1Democratic Services - - - - - - 1 - - - - - 1Revenues, Benefits and Customer Services - 3 4 1 - - - 1 - - - - 9Contract Services 17 - - 2 - - 1 - - 1 - - 21Culture and Sport - - - - - - - - - - - - 0Place - 1 1 - - - - - - - - - 2Communication, Licensing and Events - - 1 - - - - - - - - - 1Property and Growth - - 1 1 1 2 1 1 - - - - 7

Totals 21 5 10 5 6 7 5 2 0 1 0 0 62

Table 3.6 Leavers by Reason for Leaving as at 31.3.19

Division/Reason for Leaving Retirement Service Efficiency

Resignation

Ill Health

Death in service Dismissal Redundancy End of

FTC Total

SLT - - - - - - - - 0Development Management - - 5 - - - - - 5Planning Policy - - 5 - - - - - 5Environmental Protection - - 2 - - - - - 2Housing - - 2 - - - - - 2Communities and Wellbeing - - 3 - - - - - 3Health Protection - - 1 - - - - - 1Financial Services - - 2 - - - - - 2

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Business Support - - 1 - - - - - 1Democratic Services 1 - - - - - - - 1Revenues, Benefits and Customer Services - - 2 - - 1 6 - 9

Contract Services 4 - 9 - 1 4 3 - 21Culture and Sport - - - - - - - - 0Place - - 2 - - - - - 2Communication, Licensing and Events - - - - - 1 - - 1Property and Growth 3 - 4 - - - - - 7

Totals 8 0 38 0 1 6 9 0 62 The table shows that 6 members of staff were dismissed during 2018/19; the same number as last year. All 6 were absence related, including 2 employees still in their probationary period. Sadly we lost one member of staff as a death in service.

The number of redundancies was 9. This was in part due to the restructure of the Revenues & Benefits service with 6 of the redundant posts being from that team. 3 posts were made redundant as a result of the restructure within Chichester Contract Services.

The Equality Act requires us to demonstrate that we manage all staff equally irrespective of whether or not they have a protected characteristic. One way to assess this is to review the disciplinary action that has taken place and compare the number of staff with a protected characteristic who are disciplined with those who are being disciplined and do not have a protected characteristic. Figures for 2018/19 show that 9 staff have been issued with a Warning under the Council’s Disciplinary & Contract Termination Policy and 2 members of staff have been issued with a Final Written Warning. None of these staff had a disability.

In addition, 15 absence Cautions were issued and 4 Final Written Cautions were issued. There were 6 members of staff dismissed due to absence; none of whom had a disability.

Table 3.7 Turnover

Year 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19Turnover 8.2% 10.5% 14.92% 7.42% 10.13% 9.27% 14.16%

The higher turnover figure in 2018/19 is a result of a change in delivery of our Careline service, which was taken over by an external provider from 1 March 2019.

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Table 3.8 Sickness absence by Division as at 31.3.2019

For this table, the 5 Directors of Service are included within their Directorate’s figures.

Division Number of Sickness Days FTE Average Number of Sick DaysSLT 25 5 5Development Management 112.5 48.94 2.3Planning Policy 107 11.99 8.92Environmental Protection 67 23.62 2.84Housing 133.57 23.86 5.6Communities and Wellbeing 201.95 13.72 14.72Health Protection 115.82 21.21 5.46Financial Services 192.88 21.08 9.15Business Support 123.85 40.63 3.05Democratic Services 91.35 12.35 7.4Revenues, Benefits and Customer Services 382.54 59.89 6.39Contract Services 1116.26 132.91 8.39Culture and Sport 22.74 13.61 1.67Place 135.87 18.02 7.54Communications, Licensing and Events 83 14.9 5.57Property and Growth 42.50 15.8 2.69

Table 3.9 Sickness Absence

Year 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19Sickness absence (average number of sick days per employee per year) 6.3 8.63 7.42 9.24 9.44 6.6

During the review year 12 members of staff had more than 50 days sickness. Long term sickness absence continues to be very actively managed. The long term sickness has been reducing quite significantly (as of March 2019). Our current target is 8 days.

Table 3.10 Staff from a Non-White Ethnic Background as at 31.3.2019

Year 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19% of staff from a non-white ethnic background 2.2% 2.9% 2.7% 1.67% 1.44% 1.49%

We have 8 staff; 1.49% of the workforce (excluding casuals) with a non-white ethnic background.22

Table 3.11 Staff with a Disability as at 31.3.2019

Year 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19% of staff with a disability 5.12% 5.75% 4.82% 4.69% 5.41% 4.66%

We have 25 staff; 4.66% of the workforce (excluding casuals) with a disability.

The Council gained Disability Confident status in 2018. As an employer this shows our positive commitment to employing and retaining people with disabilities and we have made specific commitments regarding this. These include the undertaking that any applicant with a disability is guaranteed an interview if they meet the essential criteria for the job vacancy concerned.

4. Consultations

We believe in giving local people a voice and an opportunity to influence important decisions. This is why we carry out regular consultations to give people the chance to have their say, so that we can listen and learn from local people before decisions are made or priorities are set. Below is a list of consultations that have taken place this year.

Consultation Project Date(s) Objective Consultees How this consultation contributed to decision-making

Novium Museum Visitor Evaluation – Chichester Camera Club: A Celebration of People and Places

Nov 2018 – March

2019

To gather feedback about this exhibition, the Novium Museum and the Tourist Information Centre.

Visitors of the Novium Museum

The manager of the museum has taken into account suggestions from respondents and will put into practice as appropriate.

Housing Strategy SurveyFeb – March 2019

To find out people’s priorities and views about housing in Chichester District

Chichester District residents, businesses and stakeholders

The Housing Services Team is using the feedback to help inform the development of its new Housing Strategy.

Customer Satisfaction Survey March – June 2019

To find out levels of satisfaction with the Council’s customer service

Chichester District Council customers

The Customer Care Team will take into account suggestions from respondents and will put into practice as appropriate.

Novium Museum Visitor Evaluation – Hollywood Rome: Reel Life in the Ancient World

April – Sept 2019 To gather feedback about this

exhibition, the Novium Museum and the Tourist Information Centre.

Visitors of the Novium Museum

The manager of the museum has taken into account suggestions from respondents and will put into practice as appropriate.

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Consultation Project Date(s) Objective Consultees How this consultation contributed to decision-making

Novium Teacher’s Feedback Survey May 2019 To gather feedback on the

museum’s learning programmeParticipating teachers and schools

Museum staff have used the feedback provided to further develop the museum’s learning programme to meet the needs of schools in the District.

Roman Week Feedback May – June 2019

To gather feedback about Roman Week and the events associated with it.

Attendees of Roman Week events

Based on the feedback received, some changes have been made to plans for Roman Week 2020.

Event Strategy Survey

May – July 2019 To identify the type of events people

would like to see in Chichester District.

Chichester District residents, businesses and other relevant stakeholders

The Events Officer used these results to help inform the creation of a new Events Strategy for the Chichester District.

The Novium Museum and Tourist Information Centre Survey

July – Sept 2019

To discover the reasons people have not visited before and what people think could be improved.

Chichester District residents, businesses and visitors.

The Manager of the museum has used these results to help inform a new business plan for the Novium museum.

Social Prescribing GP Feedback

July 2019 To understand how the scheme has impacted on Primary Care after the first year of the project.

Staff at participating GP practices.

Our Wellbeing Team will be using feedback gained from this survey to help develop the service for the future.

Cycling Focus Group July 2019 To gather stakeholder feedback on current cycle route provision.

Cycling and Walking groups, Members

Results were used to inform the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan.

Summer Street Party Feedback

August 2019 To gather feedback about the event.

Residents and visitors who attended the Summer Street Party,

The Events Officer has taken on board comments and used these to inform plans for future events.

Each major consultation has a Communications Plan associated with it, which highlights how we intend to raise awareness of each consultation and target those who may be particularly affected. We use a wide variety of ways to communicate with people, including our ‘Let’s Talk’ panel, emails, social media, our website, exhibitions, focus groups, the local media and community groups, to name just a few examples. To find out more about how we consult with people, please visit https://www.chichester.gov.uk/letstalk

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