Centro's Equality Commitment

 

Centro's vision is to provide:   "A world class public transport system delivered by a best in class organisation."   Vital to meeting this vision is Centro's commitment to equality of opportunity for all, be it in service delivery or employment.   Equality and diversity are about creating a fairer society, where everyone can participate and has the opportunity to fulfil their potential. It is treating people fairly and justly, whilst recognising individual needs.   At Centro we feel it is of the highest importance that everyone has the opportunity to use public transport in the West Midlands. It is fundamental that people are given equal opportunities, so that they are able to achieve fair outcomes both in the standard of service they receive, and as employees.   Equalities and inclusion are key elements of Centro's priorities and activities. They are integral in meeting the key priorities and objectives critical for Centro's success. Centro has a significant impact across the West Midlands as a service definer, procurer and deliverer, as well as setting high standards as an employer (it was recently awarded Investors in People Bronze status). Centro has implemented many schemes and policies, and engaged in a range of activities to bring about improvements in the quality of life for people in the West Midlands. Centro is committed to achieving equality in a number of ways. These include: improving how we treat everyone at corporate and departmental level; identifying specific resources for improving equality; improving equality through planning, and meeting targets within departments and service areas; having a structured way of involving people in developing ideas; delivering a customer-focused service by recognising the needs of different communities and individuals, and actively engaging with the public; ensuring equality of opportunity in recruitment and selection, appraisal, training and career progression processes; creating a working environment where equality and diversity are valued and act as a key driver for change; ensuring suppliers and contractors embrace and adhere to equality principles; conducting Equality Impact Assessments on our priorities, schemes, policies, functions and strategies, to ensure that they have a positive impact on disability, gender, race, age, sexual orientation and religion/belief; monitoring progress to inform future planning; and audit and inspection. Protected Characteristics   The Equality Act 2010 brought nine separate pieces of legislation into one single act, simplifying the law and strengthening it in ways that help tackle discrimination and inequality. The characteristics protected under equality legislation are outlined below:   Gender - Age - Race - Sexual Orientation - Disability - Religion or Belief - Gender Reassignment - Marriage and Civil Partnership - Pregnancy and Maternity   Public bodies are required to pay due regard to the need to: Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and other conduct prohibited by the act. Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not. Foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not. Centro's approach is to address these needs in a consistent framework, whilst recognising individual characteristics and needs.   Equality Act 2010