Moray Council sets out progress and new commitments on equality and inclusion
Moray Council has published its latest Equalities Mainstreaming Report and outlined new Equality Outcomes for 2025–2029, reaffirming its commitment to fairness, dignity, and inclusion for all individuals.
The report highlights that over the past four years, the council has made notable progress in embedding equality into its services and workforce.
Key achievements include:
- Workforce diversity: The gender pay gap has reduced to 4.44%, below the national average. Efforts to improve ethnic diversity and reduce bias in recruitment are ongoing.
- Education: Anti-bullying policies were introduced in schools, with annual surveys helping to monitor progress and a decline in reported bullying.
- Support for vulnerable groups: The council has met specialist housing targets for people with a range of disabilities and learning disabilities.
- Community engagement: A new community group representing migrants has been established, and the council, and partner agencies, continue to support refugee resettlement and asylum seekers.
- Inclusive services: The council has indicated plans to improve access to services for British Sign Language (BSL) users and continues to promote LGBTQ+ inclusion.
Looking ahead, the council has set out five new equality outcomes to guide its work:
- Accessible Services: ensure all residents can access council services and information without barriers.
- Challenging discrimination: promote understanding and intolerance of discrimination and inequality.
- Workforce inclusion: improve workforce diversity and support flexible working to ensure equal opportunities.
- Inclusive schools: create safe, inclusive learning environments that reduce bullying and support pupil achievement.
- Licensing equality: work with the Licensing Board to ensure fairness and accessibility in licensing processes.
These outcomes are backed by a detailed action plan and will be monitored regularly through performance systems, staff surveys, and community feedback.
Moray Council Chief Executive, Karen Greaves BEM, emphasised that equality is a shared responsibility: “We’re committed to making Moray a place where everyone can thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances. The council will continue to work with communities, partners, and the third sector to ensure that equality and human rights are embedded in everything it does.”
Cllr Donald Gatt, Chair of Moray Council’s Corporate Committee, added: “We’re all striving for the same excellence for Moray and that starts with ensuring our own council workforce is supported to be as inclusive as possible.”