The Equalities and Human Rights Panel (‘EHRP’) acts as a critical friend to Southwark Council in relation to the Public Sector Equality Duty, including providing feedback and challenge when appropriate.
An important part of this work is reviewing Equality Impact Assessments undertaken by the Council and providing feedback using individual and collective expertise held within the Panel.
The Panel is also frequently consulted by the Council as it seeks to develop engagement activity with local groups and communities, and in its development of new equalities related activity, for example through the Southwark Equality Framework and Southwark Stands Together.
Over the past year we have contributed to the Southwark 2030 Council Plan, the Southwark Equality Framework, and also to strengthening equalities in the council’s budget and planning processes.
There are currently 11 Panel members representing or working with many of the protected characteristics strands.
These include:
• Citizens Advice Southwark
• Southwark Law Centre
• Southwark Disablement Association
• Metro Charity
• Community Southwark
• Southside Rehabilitation Association
• Latin American Women’s Rights Service
• Southwark Day Centre for Asylum Seekers
• Migrant Legal Action
• REACH Alliance
EHRP is looking for 2 new members who either live, work or volunteer in Southwark to join the Panel and to contribute to their work.
In particular, they are interested in people with experience of working in the field of health inequalities, mental health, with young people, and with older people, but we are open to expressions of interest from anyone with a strong commitment to equalities and human rights.
Meetings take place quarterly, and there is an expectation that Panel members attend at least 3 out of 4 meetings each year.
If you are interested in this voluntary role please send your CV and a covering email explaining your interest and why you think you would be a good fit for the Panel to TClark@citizensadvicesouthwark.org.uk
