Cornwall Council Seeks Feedback on Draft Belonging Strategy

Have Your Say: New Plan Aims to Shape Cornwall’s Future

A new draft strategy aimed at creating a fairer and more inclusive Cornwall has been published by Cornwall Council, with residents now being invited to share their views.

The Draft Belonging in Cornwall Strategy sets out the Council’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion over the next four years. Feedback is now being sought to help shape the final version.

What the strategy includes

The document outlines a range of actions planned for the first year. These include:

• Carrying out accessibility audits on Council buildings
• Updating policies to make the Council a more inclusive place to work
• Increasing the use of British Sign Language
• Continuing work on the Faith Covenant for Cornwall
• Ensuring compliance with the Supreme Court ruling on the definition of sex in the Equality Act
• Developing guidance to support trans colleagues and their managers
• Reviewing recruitment processes to make them more inclusive
• Sharing best practice with other organisations

A focus on fairness and inclusion

Cllr Thalia Marrington, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Public Health, said:

“The Strategy sets out plans for a fair and inclusive Cornwall and includes how we will work with organisations and communities.

“It’s about how we will lead by example and promote our values of fairness, ambition, inclusion and respect. It’s about improving how people access our buildings, services and our information. It’s also about making sure Cornwall Council is a fair and inclusive place to work.”

Legal duties and responsibilities

As a public authority, Cornwall Council is required to comply with the Public Sector Equality Duty under the Equality Act 2010. This includes responsibilities to:

• Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation
• Advance equality of opportunity
• Foster good relations between different groups

Cllr Thalia Marrington added:

“Our values, fairness, ambition, inclusion and respect, are more than just words. They are the standard we hold ourselves to. They are the compass guiding us towards a Cornwall where everyone can thrive, regardless of background, identity or circumstance.

“To achieve a fair and inclusive Cornwall, we must focus on what we do, not just what we say. We really want to hear your views now to help shape our final strategy and actions, with our ongoing ambition to build a Cornwall where everyone feels welcome and that they belong.”

How to take part

Residents can find out more and share their views by taking part in the consultation survey via the Council’s website:

👉 Belonging in Cornwall consultation

For other ways to take part, people can email: [email protected]