Issue - meetings

Recommendation:

·       Council provide any feedback or suggestions for membership to the Forum.

·       Council agree the draft Terms of Reference for the Equalities Forum.

·       That public access to the report be immediate.

·       That public access to the decision be immediate.

Members debated concerns regarding representation, terminology and political balance however the forums inclusive, non-decision-making nature was emphasized, it was further confirmed that additional community organisations could be invited, hybrid meetings were permitted, and the forum was willing to consider appointing a Vice Chair from outside of the administration.

Councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst proposed the recommendations as set out in the report and were seconded by Councillor Nelmes.

On being put to the vote the Council declared the motion as Carried with 22 votes For, 10 votes Against and 1 Abstention.

RESOLVED:

·         Council provides any feedback or suggestions for membership to the Forum.

·         Council agrees to the draft Terms of Reference for the Equalities Forum.

·         That public access to the report be immediate.

·         That public access to the decision be immediate.

That:

Council provide any feedback or suggestions for membership to the Forum.

Council agree the draft Terms of Reference for the Equalities Forum.

That public access to the report be immediate.

That public access to the decision be immediate.

The Committee considered draft terms of reference following Council’s earlier decision to replace the Equalities Sub-Committee with an Equalities Forum.

Members welcomed the wider engagement of community groups but raised questions about inclusivity, representation of minority groups, and terminology.

Amendments were proposed to replace references to members with “invitees” to clarify the non-decision making nature of the forum. To remove reference permitting the forum to make recommendations directly to Full Council. To review working regarding “leadership” to clarify the forum’s advisory role and for officers to check references to equity and ensure alignment with statutory duties on equality.

Members agreed that agendas would be set by the Chair and Vice-Chair, with groups able to suggest items in advance.

Subject to the amendments above, the motion was put to the vote with 9 votes in favour and 4 abstentions, the motion was carried.