The Regional Equality and Diversity Partnership (REDP) will be holding a series of briefing seminars for the Voluntary and Community Sector during January and February 2012 on Human Rights and its relationship to equalities.

 The 2 hour seminars will focus on the Human Rights Act and how it can be used to tackle inequality and disadvantage. (more…)

In July 2010, the Public Sector Pensions Commission, led by right wing think tank ‘The Institute of Economic Affairs’ and private bosses club ‘The Institute of Directors’ published their findings into the funding of public sector pensions. It’s no surprise, given the membership of the Commission, that they found a raft of so-called problems with public sector pensions. But take a closer look and you’re forced to ask – do these problems really exist?

As the TUC response to the Commission states ‘The government’s own figures for projected expenditure on public sector pensions shows that it is neither an unsupportable burden on future generations, nor that it is out of control.’ On the contrary, public sector pension schemes are neither “gold plated” nor short of funds. (more…)

One North West & Voice4Change are holding an event: Big Society and Equality – Making it Happen

10am at 4pm

St Thomas Centre, Ardwick Green North, Manchester M12 6FZ  (more…)

GCVS and CRER are currently developing an Equality and Human Rights Framework for the Third Sector on behalf of a consortium of organisations including the Equality and Diversity Forum, Shelter, Age UK, Macmillan Cancer, Campaign for National Parks and Action for Children, funded by the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

They want to hear from organisations with experience of the benefits and challenges of mainstreaming equality and human rights to make sure this competency based, outcome focussed performance measurement Framework meets the needs of Britain’s diverse Third Sector. (more…)

About the Putting equality at the heart of Public Health event

Health inequalities do not just arise from socio-economic factors. They also arise through unintended discrimination – when those who commission, plan and deliver public health services do not understand the diversity of needs within communities. Clinical Commissioning Groups, local HealthWatch, and Health and Wellbeing Boards are part of a complex picture in public health provision, but they are all subject to the Public Sector Equality Duty.

This event is for people who are concerned to see equality firmly embedded in public health provision in the post NHS reform era. We will hear details of how public health structures will work and the mechanisms by which equality groups and health professionals might together ensure that public health meets diversity needs in the South West. We will also hear from people whose ‘minority’ identity-related needs have often been overlooked. Speakers and workshops on a range of topics.

Speakers will include Michail Sanidas and Gemma Dunn, NHS South of England. As well as speakers representing equality groups in the South West.

A programme and booking form will be available soon. Please visit the Equality South West website for more information.

25th February, 10:00am – 4:00pm

The Lesbian & Gay Foundation

Number 5

Richmond St, Manchester

M1 3HF

Lunch and refreshments will be included.

Travel bursaries are available by pre-arrangement  with the LGF

To book a place or for more information, contact adam.winter@lgf.org.uk or call 0845 3 30 30 30.

Inside Government is holding a conference entitled ‘Equality and Diversity: Building a Strong, Modern and Fair Britain’.

28th March

8:45 am – 2:10 pm

Central London

The conference will allow delegates to learn about how the Equality Act is working in practice and what further measures are needed to close equality gaps that are still visible. Sessions will focus on how equality can be delivered in a time of spending cuts, how public authorities can comply with public sector equality duties, and how a combination of legislative reforms and strategies for social mobility can tackle inequality where it still exists. (more…)

22 May 2012

Manchester Conference Centre

A lack of respect, a misguided sense of entitlement, a breakdown in moral authority, simple opportunism, pure criminality…these are just some of the responses to the riots that erupted across Britain in August 2011. But what are the real reasons behind this mass disorder? Many were quick to blame gang culture or issues within the criminal justice system, but surely the riots are really indicative of the deepening inequality within our society. (more…)