Race Equality Scheme

Introduction

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is a local authority incorporated under the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, having its principal offices at Sandwick Road, Stornoway. Like other Scottish local authorities, the Comhairle is a “most purpose” authority, with duties and powers covering a wide range of activities.

The ethnic minority population of the Western Isles is very small, recorded at the 2001 Census as less than 0.7% of the total Western Isles population. However, the Comhairle recognises its responsibility towards all citizens of the Western Isles and is committed to maximising oportunities for every individual. Along with its Community Planning partners, the Comhairle has developed 15 Themes of Sustainability for the Western Isles, one of which states:

‘People live without fear of crime, persecution or discrimination because of their personal beliefs, race, gender, disability or sexuality’.

The Comhairle is represented on a local Community Equality and Diversity Group committed to tackling discrimination, promoting equality and celebrating the diverse community of the Western Isles. A primary objective for the Group is to establish and develop meaningful links with the local black and minority ethnic population. The group is currently working with the National Resource Centre for Ethnic Minority Health (NRCEMH) to develop an innovative project aimed at improving community relations through engagement and dialogue and facilitating greater sensitivity and integration to multiple identities.

The Comhairle is also supporting its Community Planning partners through the Lifelong and Community Learning Forum in the development of a plan aimed at assisting the increasing number of migrant workers within the Western Isles through the production of welcome/information packs and the provision of training.

As our Equality of Treatment and Access Policy states, the Comhairle recognises both a legal and moral responsibility towards its wider community to ensure that no-one is unfairly excluded from accessing public services, including employment. The Comhairle therefore commits to ensuring that all prospective or existing service users and employees are treated with dignity and safety.