26 January 2006 - DRC Poll Reveals Low Understanding of DED

26 January 2006 - DRC Poll Reveals Low Understanding of DED:
The Disability Rights Commission (DRC) conducted a poll into the potential success of the Disability Equality Duty (DED) within the Public Sectors, which highlighted perhaps a 'low-level of understanding' of the DED amongst senior managers.

Public Sector Bodies, such as, Local Councils, Government Departments, Universities and Hospitals, must actively promote disability equality as placed on them by the DED. This means they have 'specific duties' under the DED to the public and must now implement and publish a disability equality scheme.

The disability equality scheme is two-fold as follows:

*It must show how the public sector bodies intend to eliminate unlawful discrimination.
*It must show how the public sector bodies aim to promote equality for the less able bodied.

The DRC's survey of Chief Executive Officers (CEO's) and Public Sector Managers revealed the following:

*Senior public sector managers had low levels of interest in the DED.
*Unlike the race equality duty, senior public sector managers lacked the personal commitment to see it through.
*They were transferring their responsibility to take the lead in implementing the new duties to HR Directors and equalities officers.
*There was marked evidence shown on the impact of the DED on employment practices and workplace issues.

Bert Massie, DRC Chairman , described the duty as:

'a useful tool for CEOs and senior managers, and a core part of their leadership responsibility to improve public services.'

Further information on the new Codes of Practice, forthcoming seminars and events can be accessed from the DRC Website, by clicking the following:

The Disability Rights Commission - Disability Equality Duty

Article by Alexandra Johnston