Norwich has a long history of being a radical, innovative city. It is increasingly recognised for its strong economy, quality of life and vibrancy. The city is rich in cultural and ethnic diversity which we aim to both celebrate and promote. This is central to the Norwich 2040 vision and our work with partners to achieve this.
We recognise the contributions that people from different backgrounds make, and actively seek to tackle inequalities and foster good relationships across our communities. We want the city to be a fair, kind, accessible and inclusive place for everyone. This strategy sets out our continued commitment to tackling inequality and promoting diversity.
It outlines how we will:
- deliver this ambition and the high standards we expect of ourselves
- work with partners and communities to promote equality, diversity and inclusion and the progressive building of good relations between different groups
- shape services which actively address inequality and exclusion
- build an inclusive culture within our workforce and organisation.
A key reason why many people in Norwich are held back is because of inequality and lack of opportunity connected to one or more of the characteristics that are protected under the Equality Act 2010. These are age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
As well as a firm commitment to deliver our legal duty under the Act regarding these characteristics, our aspirations go further to include refugees and migrants, those who have served or continue to serve in our Armed Forces, and the socio-economic and health inequalities resulting from deprivation. We are committed to ending the “class ceiling” which creates structural injustices, socio-economic barriers to ambitions, and disrespect for the value, dignity and voice of all, regardless of background and/or occupation.
All these factors can cause disadvantage around poverty, educational attainment, access to good quality jobs, health and life expectancy.
This strategy restates our long-held commitment to tackling inequality, with our partners, not just because it is our duty but also because doing so helps create a more successful city.
We want Norwich to be a place in which everyone’s hopes and aspirations can be made real. We want to ensure people are not held back by poverty and that success is shared. This strategy supports that journey.
