1.1
Pur pose of the Str a te g y
This, the first ever Equality and Diversity Strategy for the North West of England, has been prepared by the North West Regional Assembly - under the leadership of the North West Equality and Diversity Leadership Group - and co-funded by the North West Development Agency. It has been designed to fulfil several functions. Primarily it is a single, coherent regional statement on Equality and Diversity, in response to the growing significance of this agenda. It sets out our successes, our challenges and our priorities for action on equality issues. The document has five key aims: ❏
To raise awareness of the issues faced by equalities communities, and promote diversity as a key asset
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To set clear objectives, and determine priorities for our region on equality and diversity issues
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To gain and consolidate commitment from regional agencies and stakeholders in delivering equality objectives
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Promote the mainstreaming of equality and diversity concerns into all programmes and regional policy-making
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To provide a single coherent plan of action on equality, based on the experiences of people living in the North West, existing research and new evidence.
This Strategy is designed to inspire and inform as well as to challenge and stimulate debate. It contains significant new analysis and presents priorities for the region. This Strategy is a consultation paper. The views of the people of the North West are needed if it is to become - as it intends to be - the region's own equality and diversity Strategy.
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