Public Policy, Equality and Diversity in the Context of Devolution
A seminar series funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)
Project team
- Professor Sheila Riddell, University of Edinburgh
- Dr Anne Stafford, University of Edinburgh
- Professor Linda McKie, Glasgow Caledonia University
| Start date | 1 Jan 2005 |
| End date | 31 Dec 2005 |
Overview
Mainstreaming equality implies that equal opportunities principles, strategies and practices should be integrated into all aspects of the work of government and public bodies. The strategy is supported by the United Nations, the Commonwealth governments, the Council of Europe and many governments world-wide. Mainstreaming also has implications for participative democracy, since it implies that wide consultation of individuals and groups should take place before legislation is passed to ensure that it is 'equality proofed' (Council of Europe, 1998; Rees, 1998; Mackay and Bilton, 2000). Mainstreaming has been promoted particularly strongly by devolved governments and within Europe (Mackay and Bilton, 2001, Rees, 2001). Following the European Employment Directive, which outlaws discrimination in relation to gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, age and religion, the UK government has announced its intention to move towards a mainstreaming approach, replacing the existing equality commissions with a new single equalities body.
Seminar 1: Universal principles of equality: Implications for different groups
The seminar series will give policy-makers, academics and activists the opportunity to discuss the key issues of mainstreaming equality in different parts of the UK and consider the wider picture in Europe and North America.
Seminar 2: Mainstreaming equality and diversity in different national contexts: Implications for policy and practice
Seminar 2: Mainstreaming equality and diversity in different national contexts: Implications for policy and practice.
Seminar 3: Mainstreaming equality and diversity in particular settings and contexts
The seminar series will give policy-makers, academics and activists the opportunity to discuss the key issues of mainstreaming equality in different parts of the UK and consider the wider picture in Europe and North America.