Annual Report 2019 | Equalities

Glasgow Equality Forum (GEF) is a forum which brings together representatives of voluntary sector equality networks in Glasgow to encourage better co-operation and cross-sector engagement on equality issues, as well as providing strategic and policy expertise to community planning partners (http://equalityupdates.org.uk/project/glasgow-equality-forum/).

Glasgow City Council support GEF's work by funding their Manager's post (0.6 FTE).

GEF submitted a detailed response to last year's Community Planning governance review, where they highlighted the lack of representation for equality groups in governance structures. As a direct result of this input, GEF were invited to sit upon the GCPP Strategic Board and the GCPP Executive Group as co-opted members. We hope this representation will amplify the voices of people with protected characteristics within strategic decision making processes.

Community Planning officers attended a GEF meeting in October 2018 to canvas views around the Resilience and Fairer and More Equal work-streams.  GEF members would like to see more opportunities available for equalities groups to directly benefit from the Plan, and be involved in its implementation.  

Glasgow Disability Alliance members have expressed long standing concerns around availability and access to suitable transport. Members of Glasgow Voluntary Sector Race Equality Network (GVSREN) have shared frightening experiences of racism on public transport with SPT in relation to the Transport work stream. GEF members hope that actions will be taken to improve their experiences of public transport. 

In the next year, GEF hope to forge links with Thriving Places Community Connectors, to learn about equalities initiatives and promote best practice.