Equality and Diversity

[*ALFIE*]

I am applying for a job for my local council. On the application form I have to somehow show I understand "in a way appropriate to the job, how the principles of equality and diversity need to be applied within the Council".

Can any one help me put this in the form with a good reason ? Many thanks in advance

[rogerr]

Depends what the job is, I work at a library and I understand it as treating everyone either customer or member of the public with respect regardless of race religion or disability.All members of the public should be treated equally and have equal acces to the service eg. disabled ramps, hearing loops, extra help etc.We should also cater for all members of the public eg we have books,leaflets etc. in all languages.

I could go on, but you get the idea?

Good luck

[rogerr]

In answer to Joko, you have obviously not had to fill in one of these forms yourself. The council these days is so PC and the form is really loaded with gobbledygook (not sure that looks right ,but am sure you will correct me).Just give the guy a break.

[paddy_36]

rogerr's answer is pretty comprehensive, but sexuality, gender and age are other factors along with race, religion and disability.

Equality and diversity applies not just when dealing with customers but also when dealing with other staff and when recruiting.

This issue is a pretty big one with councils at the moment, so you might want to to a bit more research into the current policies of the authority you're applying to, either on their website or via your local library.

[joko]

roger - the council is full of gobbledy gook - if you can't understand that then you shouldn't be doing the job.

I am not trying to be mean, but i would not hire someone who could not answer the questions on the form under their own steam. Do you want someone who cannot answer that most basic of questions running your local area and deciding on things that affect your life? This is a position of power.

I think alfie should sit down and read up and study this aspect of the job - they will ask about it in an interview and will know if he has just copied his answers from somewhere else.

He will seem much more confident and knowledgable in the interview if he can speak with an understanding rather that quoting and memorising text. if he gets the job he will have to know this stuff anyway!

its not rocket science so should be quite easy to learn.

[rogerr]

I meant to say customers and members of staff ! Good points Paddy, lets give Alfie all the help we can.

[*ALFIE*]

rogerr, you're a star. Thank you. I'm just trying to think of a few lines to fill in the application regarding equality & diversity in relation to my job working for the council - which is IT Projects/Development Officer. I am trying to do some research on this, but sometimes things like this are difficult to express on the form.

[rogerr]

Alfie

I know what it's like---sometimes the form leaves you with your brain hurting--been there etc.Just one pointer, answer everything as best you can because they count every question on a points system. All the best mate.

In answer to Joko-- we are not all in positions of power,council workers are employed at all levels. I've been there for 16 years and believe it or not I'm well res pected. The system for appointment has changed dramatically in the last 5 years. Instead of putting a downer on someone trying to get a job let's all give him the help we can.

[joko]

help, yes, do it for him, no. I am all for helping. I wonder if ruth kelly got someone else to fill her job appplication forms in and told her what to say? I wonder if the person who allowed ian huntley to work in their school filled their own forms in?

I am not suggesting alfie is in any way like these examples - my point is, when you hire people to a position of authority you need to be sure you are hiring them 100% not helpful forum contributors or well meaning pals - you need to be sure they are up to the job and not just winging it - thats how these cack ups happen!

i wish alfie good luck but i also wish he would learn the ins and outs of the important subject he is trying to get someone to pay him for knowing.

[rogerr]

Joko

Just go away

[rogerr]

Apologies to Alfie

This should't have got to this.

Regards

[Postdog]

Cor, how far is Joko up himself?

I can't recall if he said what the job was, but just because it was for the council, doesn't mean he'll be in charge of things. Most employers these days HAVE to ask stuff like this, no matter how menial or lowly the job.

[dotjhawkes]

What qualifications do you have for this job and in general Alfie?

[*ALFIE*]

Steady on people! I All i wanted was some ideas to put down on a form ragarding equal' & div' . This definately is not considered to be cheating but just a little help from others as what these forums are for. If you look back at the threads in the section tonnes have people have been asking for advice regarding interviews, jobs, questions etc.

As for the job itself, its an IT position with the council and I have a the relevent IT qualifications as the job requires.

I am still open for answers/help for now, but can we stop this childish "slagging off" each other. If you can't help or feel my initial question has no meaning, then please don't bother - thank you for contributing anyway.

[lady_p_gold]

Lots of Councils are starting to outsource their IT department ... just thought I would warn you !! Plus the fact that if you do not get that diversity bit right they will not employ you regardless of your qualifications.

[rogerr]

Alfie

If the job involves computers used by the public, then it could mean things like putting filters on to protect children accessing unsuitable sites. We have ability net for use by the disabled plus large trackerballs. We also have penfriend for people with dyslexia and physical disabilities with word prediction and it also adds speech. We have large print keyboards, wrist rests and the screen can be made "large print". We also have help on the computer for those who are not as familiar with word or the internet.

Is this any use to you?