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Introduction to Bexley's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy is an integral part of our wider vision to make Bexley even better.

You can find out more about our vision in our Bexley Plan 2022 to 2026.

You can view our easy-read version of the policy (PDF) or watch a British Sign Language video introducing the policy below.

Map of Bexley made of various images of people

This policy guides our Councillors, staff, partner activities and decision-making and lets our residents know what they can expect from us and how they can contribute to an inclusive borough.

We ran a public consultation on this policy and the policy has been shaped by what we heard matters to our residents and staff.

We want to help enable everyone in Bexley to reach their full potential and benefit from everything Bexley has to offer. This will mean Bexley, as a borough, can reach its full potential too - with a thriving economy and cohesive and strong communities.

We recognise and welcome our commitments under the Public Sector Equality Duty to have due regard to the need to:

  • eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation
  • advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not
  • foster or encourage good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not share that characteristic. The duty applies across the nine protected characteristics set out in the Equality Act 2010 (with the exception of marriage and civil partnership, where the council is only required to eliminate unlawful discrimination with regard to this characteristic)

The protected characteristics are age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

We recognise that socio-economic factors, such as income, housing, job security, and education, underpin and reinforce many inequalities. For example, the areas in Bexley that are the most deprived, with the highest levels of income poverty, are also the most ethnically diverse. We are committed to understanding and tackling these challenges too.

Equality, diversity and inclusion - what do we mean?

Equality

We will provide equal opportunities and fair and equal treatment to everyone, ensuring that no-one is disadvantaged by their protected characteristics or socio-economic status. This doesn’t mean treating everyone the same.

Diversity

We will recognise and value differences between individuals and groups. We believe diversity enriches Bexley and our workforce.

Inclusion

We will act to include everyone, removing barriers to access and participation, so that everyone feels like they belong, can be themselves, and are welcome in Bexley.

Equality, diversity, and inclusion are all part of the concept of fairness.

About Bexley

The 2021 Census showed that Bexley is an increasingly diverse borough:

Image of hands
  • 15.6% of residents have a disability and of this group, 6.6% of residents said they were “limited a lot” in being able to carry out day-to-day activities
  • over a third of residents (35.6%) are from ethnic minority backgrounds, including white ethnic minority groups
  • 2.1% of residents aged over sixteen identified with an LGB sexual orientation. There are 400 same-sex marriages and over 100 same-sex civil partnerships
  • 0.5% of residents said that their gender was not the same as their registered sex at birth
  • 16.6% of residents are aged over 65
  • 24% of residents are aged under 18
  • 79% of Bexley residents were born in the UK
  • 50% of residents identify as Christian, 34% as having no religion, 4% as Muslim, 3% as Hindu and 3% as Sikh
  • more than 1 in 10 residents aged over three (13%) speak a language other than English as their main language

You can find more information about Bexley’s residents and communities in our regularly updated Data Hub.