Equality and diversity

We believe that everyone has the right to live in a society free from discrimination, harassment, bullying and prejudice and should be treated fairly and with respect.

 

We will make sure that everyone is given a fair chance to access our services and employment opportunities. Our aim is for all people to achieve equal outcomes either in the standard of service they receive or in the way they are treated as employees.

We will oppose all forms of discrimination, which cause a person to be treated unjustly including on the grounds of:

  • race
  • ethnic origin or nationality
  • disability
  • gender
  • sexuality
  • age
  • income
  • appearance
  • faith or religious belief or non-belief
  • responsibility for dependants

We aim to gain a detailed understanding of the diverse needs and preferences of all our customers so that we can shape our services to meet their needs.

Overview

South Tyneside Council Housing Services is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) as an employer and as a provider of services to tenants and residents in South Tyneside.

Equality is about making sure that everyone has the same opportunities to achieve the same or similar outcomes. It is not about treating 'everyone the same' but recognising that 'one size doesn't fit all' and that services should be tailored to meet individual needs.

Diversity is about respecting, valuing and celebrating people's differences.

Inclusion is about making sure that people feel comfortable to be themselves, that they belong and can reach their full potential without disadvantage or discrimination.

EDI is fundamental to the way we 'we do things' at South Tyneside Council. We aim to positively embrace and celebrate diversity and promote an inclusive culture in our role as an employer and a provider of homes and services.

We acknowledge that everyone is different, and that people have different needs and perspectives. Everyone brings their own contribution, experience, skills and knowledge to make STC a successful organisation.

Equality, diversity, and inclusion: Useful documents

Equality impact assessments

Equality Impact Assessments make sure that we think carefully about the likely impact that our policies, procedures, strategies and services have on those individuals or groups of people that access them.

Their key purpose is to make sure that a proposed policy or service doesn't affect individuals or groups unfavourably. If anything is identified we must take action to remedy the issue or improve the situation for those groups that are most disadvantaged.

The assessments helps us to make sure that we do not negatively discriminate in the way that we provide services and employment and that, where possible, we do all we can to promote equality and good relations between different groups.

If you would like a copy of any of our Equality Impact Assessments please contact connect2@southtyneside.gov.uk.

Support agencies

Below is a list of support agencies that can provide information and advice about equality and diversity:

Gender Pay Gap report

Since 2017, gender pay gap reporting legislation has required employers with 250 or more employees to report and publish information on the pay gap between their male and female employees on an annual basis.

The gender pay gap data highlights the difference between the average pay of men and women; it is not a measure of equal pay, which relates to what men and women are paid for the same or similar roles or work of equal value.

See our data reports:

Gender Pay Gap Report - 2024

Gender Pay Gap Report - 2023

Gender Pay Gap Report - 2022

Gender Pay Gap Report - 2021

Useful documents