Cornwall Council has produced a new Draft Strategy that aims to create a fairer and more inclusive Cornwall for one and all.
The Council is now seeking feedback on the Strategy, which sets out its commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion over the next four years.
Some of the actions being taken forward over the first year include:
- Carrying out accessibility audits on our buildings.
- Updating our polices to make the Council a more inclusive place to work.
- Looking at how we can increase our use of British Sign Language.
- Continuing our work on the Faith Covenant for Cornwall.
- Continuing to make sure we are following the Supreme Court ruling on the definition of sex in the Equality Act.
- Developing guidance to support trans colleagues and their managers.
- Looking at how we make our recruitment processes more inclusive.
- Sharing what we do with other organisations.
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.”
As a public authority, Cornwall Council must comply with the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) when carrying out its functions. The general PSED is set out in the Equality Act 2010 as a legal duty to:
- eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation
- advance equality of opportunity, and
- foster good relations between different groups of people.
Cllr 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.”
Find out more and to respond via our consultation survey:
For details of other ways to engage please email us: equality@cornwall.gov.uk
The consultation closes 6 May 2026.