Equality and Diversity

The Equality Act 2010 (the Act), which harmonised and replaced previous equalities legislation, came into force on 5 April 2011. The Act placed a general equality duty on public authorities to pay due regard to the need to:

Eliminate discrimination;
Advance equality; and
Foster good relations across the range of protected characteristics.

The general equality duty expanded the range of those protected under equality legislation to include the following protected characteristics of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation. The equality duty also covers marriage and civil partnerships, with regard to eliminating unlawful discrimination in employment.

The following links and drop-down sections provide further information on how the City Council is delivering on equality duties.

Equalities Calendar

Equalities Calendar of Events – September 2022 to August 2023

As part of Dundee City Council’s Equality Outcome setting and Mainstreaming work, we have created an Equality Calendar of Events to better assist with supporting and engaging those with protected characteristics and lived experience in our work.

This calendar will not cover every Equality related day, week or month throughout the year. Agreement has been reached by the Council’s Strategic Equality & Diversity Steering Group as to the key focus areas for this year.

The Calendar will:

have direct equality related links to information & resources that can be accessed directly and promoted via the Council’s social media platforms as appropriate
Identifying specific key actions and activities that the council is/are proposing to take as part of the events promotion
be updated on an ongoing basis with key information and links to local actions and activities for the days, weeks and months highlighted.

If you would like any further information about the calendar or would like the Council to consider adding/promoting your organisations activities:

Please contact the Council’s Equalities & Fairness Officer ross.craig@dundeecity.gov.uk

September 2022

Date & Event	Information	Dundee City Council / Promotion Links
01-31 September World Alzheimer’s Month 2022	The aim of the month is to raise awareness and challenge stigma surrounding Alzheimer’s and dementia. The event has been running since 2012, and September 21st is World Alzheimer’s Day. World Alzheimer’s Month is an opportunity for sufferers, carers, professionals, press and media and communities to work together against dementia as well as raising awareness of the realities of it, while combating stigma and misinformation and lobbying the government for better help and care.	World Alzheimer’s Month
03 September EveryWoman Day	EveryWoman Day is a project created to raise awareness and share experiences about women’s health, so that other women can benefit.	Every Woman Day
08 September International Literacy Day	International Literacy Day takes place to raise awareness and concern for literacy problems that exist within our own local communities as well as globally. International Literacy Day was founded by proclamation of The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, or UNESCO, in 1966 “to remind the public of the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights.”	International Literacy Day
10 September World Suicide Prevention Day	World Suicide Prevention Day is an awareness day observed on 10 September every year, in order to provide worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides, with various activities around the world since 2003.	World Suicide Prevention Day DCC will raise awareness of support available via the Council’s Wellbeing Service
15 September Pension Awareness Day	Started back in 2014 by the team at Pension Geeks, the annual Pension Awareness Day aims to highlight the importance of pension saving. Over one week, the pensions industry comes together to provide free events, webinars and pension clinics to help the public and employers understand pensions and how to achieve the retirement they want.	Pension Awareness Day
19 September Youth Mental Health Day	Youth Mental Health Day encourages understanding and discussion of mental health in young people, enabling them to live happy and healthy lives all year round.	Youth Mental Health Day
21 September International Day of Peace	Established in 1981 by unanimous United Nations resolution, Peace Day provides a globally shared date for all humanity to commit to Peace above all differences and to contribute to building a Culture of Peace.	International Day of Peace
26 September to 02 October National Inclusion Week	This week is designed to celebrate everyday inclusion in all its forms. This will be the 10th year Inclusive Employers has brought organisations together from across the globe to celebrate, share and inspire inclusion practices	National Inclusion Week DCC’s Equalities & Fairness Officer will attend the online launch and The Power of Inclusive Leadership Events of National Inclusion Week 2022 and share relevant learnings across the Council/Networks DCC will also share the NIW Toolkit with relevant stakeholders.

October 2022

Date & Event	Information	Dundee City Council / Promotion Links
01 to 31 October Black History Month	The main aims of Black History Month are to celebrate the achievements and contributions of black people not just in the UK, but throughout the world and also to educate all on black history. There are many events to celebrate Black History Month, across the country special classes and celebrations are arranged within schools and universities. Museums and art galleries have special themed exhibits, and there are also many special themed shows about Black History Month on the TV and Radio.	Black History Month Throughout the month, DCC will promote local information and events taking place across the City.University of Dundee Programme
03-09 October Challenge Poverty Week Key Themes for each day: 03 October Cost of Living 04 October Work & the Economy 05 October Social Security 06 October Energy & Environment 07 October Our Communities 08 October Health & Care 09 October Housing & Public services	Challenge Poverty Week is an opportunity for us to raise our voice against poverty and show what is being done to tackle poverty across Dundee/Scotland. The main aims of the week are to: Highlight the reality of poverty and challenge the stereotypes, whilst showcase the solutions to poverty as well as increase public support for action to solve poverty On each day during Challenge Poverty Week, there will be National focus on a different theme. These themes each have accompanying key messages and policy asks.	Challenge Poverty Week Follow @CPW_Scotland for the latest on Challenge Poverty Week 2022 DCC is commitment to supporting and promoting this week both locally and nationally. A series of local events and actions will take place across the city. These include, work in support of local food networks, a visit to Alexander’s Community Development as well as delivery of online Health & Inequalities Poverty Training workshop. DCC Fairness Page
10 October World Mental Health Day	The overall objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health. The Day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.	World Mental Health Day

November 2022

Date & Event	Information	Dundee City Council / Promotion Links
02 November Stress Awareness Day	Whether it’s work or juggling the balance of relationships and childcare, there are many lifestyle factors that contribute to stress that eventually lead to further mental health problems.	National Stress Awareness Day
07-12 November Talk Money week	If you find it hard to talk about money, you’re not alone. That’s why every year people are encouraged to open up about their finances. By having a conversation, you can improve your physical, mental and financial wellbeing.	Talk Money Week DCC will promote this week via promotion of local events & activities via social media.
01-30 November Islamophobia Awareness Month	With at least 7,000 anti-Muslim hate crimes a year, systemic discrimination against Muslims in the workplace and relentless media negativity, there has never been a more important time to attend an IAM event and to learn more about tackling Islamophobia. Islamophobia affects us all, just like racism and anti-Semitism. IAM unites communities to tackle Islamophobia	Islamophobia Awareness Month DCC will consider adoption of the APPG Definition of Islamophobia and associated Guidelines. Internal workshop & awareness raising session to be provided by MEND.
13-20 November Scottish Interfaith Week	Scottish Interfaith Week was established by Interfaith Scotland in 2004.Interfaith Scotland works to ensure good relations between the diverse religion and belief communities of Scotland and also to share good practice in interfaith dialogue, education, engagement and training.	Scottish Interfaith Week DCC will promote this week via promotion of local events & activities via social media.
13-19 November Transgender Awareness Week	Transgender Awareness Week is a week when transgender people and their allies act to bring attention to the community by educating the public about who transgender people are, sharing stories and experiences, and advancing advocacy around the issues of prejudice, discrimination, and violence that affect the transgender community.	Transgender Awareness Week DCC will promote this week via promotion of local events & activities via social media.
25 November Carers Rights Day 29 & 30 November Deaf Women's Health Workshops	Many people are taking on more caring responsibilities for their relatives and friends who are disabled, ill or older and who need support. Each year, Carers Rights Day helps us to ensure carers are aware of their rights, let carers know where to get help and support and to raise awareness of the needs of carers. Delivered in British Sign Language 10:30 - 3:30 at Deaf Links, Tayside Deaf Hub. Talk about all women's issues, health, staying safe. Ask questions and get advice and support. Women only.	Carers Rights Day DCC & DHSCP support events to highlight carers in city and provide additional information on support available. Deaf Women's Health Workshops
25 November to 10 December: The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence	An annual international campaign that kicks off on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day. It was started by activists at the inaugural Women’s Global Leadership Institute in 1991 and continues to be coordinated each year by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership. It is used as an organizing strategy by individuals and organizations around the world to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.	16 Days International Campaign Every year, the Dundee Violence Against Women Partnership (DVAWP) works closely together to deliver a number of awareness raising events as part of this campaign. All of our events are open to all members of the public and communities within Dundee - no one is excluded – this is everyone’s issue! DCC Link to 2022 Campaign

December 2022

Date & Event	Information	Dundee City Council / Promotion Links
01 December Worlds Aids Day	First recognized in 1988, World AIDS Day falls on December 1 each year. World AIDS Day is dedicated to spreading awareness	Worlds Aids Day Dundee Leisure & Culture are lighting up Caird Hall Colonnade Red
02 December Fuel Poverty Awareness Day	The support that exists for people struggling with their day-to-day energy costs is welcome but wide gaps in provision are letting people fall through the cracks. Fuel Poverty Awareness Day will highlight what support is needed to keep more people warm and well this winter and beyond	Fuel Poverty Awareness Day
03 December International Day of Disabled Persons 07 December Take Over Day	International Day of Disabled Persons recognises visible and invisible disabilities, to promote the importance of inclusion in life and the workplace. Women only event – confidential, safe space to talk about Women’s issues at Ann Summers, 21vReform Street. 10am to 4pm	International Day of Disabled Persons DCC & DHSCP will promote this through provision of sharing local info and small scale event provision. Take Over Day
10 December Human Rights Day	It commemorates the day in 1948 the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.	Human Rights Day DCC promotes and supports this day vas part of their commitment to the work DVAWP through the 16 Days of Action.

January 2023

Date & Event	Information	Dundee City Council / Promotion Links
01-31 January Dry January	Dry January is an excellent opportunity to see how their lives can be without alcohol and take the time to build healthier coping mechanisms for day-to-day difficulties and celebrations.	Alcohol Change UK
04 January World Braille Day	World Braille Day is celebrated to serve, as a symbol of honour for the Braille system that has helped educate the visually impaired since several decades.	World Braille Day
27 January Holocaust Memorial Day	Holocaust Memorial Day Trust (HMDT) encourages remembrance in a world scarred by genocide.	Holocaust Memorial Day

February 2023

Date & Event	Information	Dundee City Council / Promotion Links
01-28 February LGBT History Month	LGBT+ History Month is a month-long, annual, celebration and remembrance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history. It looks at the history of gay rights, which is also related to the civil rights movements. The main and overall aims of the month are to promote two things: equality and diversity	LGBT History Month DCC will promote this Month via promotion of local events & activities via social media.
Date tbc Adult Support and Protection Day/ Week	An annual reminder to act on any concerns about vulnerable adults who you suspect may be at risk from harm, neglect or exploitation.	DCC promotes and raises awareness of this week to internal staff and external stakeholders. The Council’s L&OD and Protecting People support delivery of a week of Training and events

March 2023

Date & Event	Information	Dundee City Council / Promotion Links
08 March International Women’s Day	The world comes together for International Women’s Day (IWD) to celebrate women’s achievements and reinforce a commitment to women’s equality.	International Women’s Day
04 to 19 March Dundee International Women’s Festival	Dundee Women’s Festival is an annual event run in the Dundee and Angus area to span International Women’s Day on 8th March.	Dundee International women’s Festival DCC provides support to Dundee International Women’s Festival throughout the week.
16 March Disabled Access Day	Disabled Access Day is a day in which businesses and individuals not only come together to celebrate the extraordinary progress made in making even more venues, facilities and opportunities more accessible to disabled people, but to also discuss how we can continue to improve this access for many more people.	Disabled Access Day
31 March International Transgender Day of Visibility	Transgender Day of Visibility is an international event dedicated to recognising the resilience and accomplishments of the transgender community. On this day, we celebrate the trans people amongst us, raise awareness about the struggles that they face, and advocate for more protected rights for them.	International Transgender Day of Visibility

April 2023

Date & Event	Information	Dundee City Council / Promotion Links
28 March to 03 April World Autism Awareness Week	The original concept of educating people about Autism Spectrum Condition and celebrating the achievements of Autistic people continues to be the focus of these events today.	World Autism Awareness Week
28 April International Workers Memorial Day	On 28 April each year, International Workers’ Memorial Day (IWMD) is a time to remember those who have died either because of a workplace accident, ill health or diseases as a result of work.	International Workers Memorial Day DCC works with local Unions to share local information and events.

May 2023

Date & Event	Information	Dundee City Council / Promotion Links
04 to 09 May Deaf Awareness Week	Deaf Awareness Week allows the opportunity to learn about the different levels of deafness, deaf culture and its history.	Deaf Awareness Week 2022 DCC will engage with the British Deaf Association Scotland & Deaf Links to support this week via promotion of local events & activities via social media.
09-15 May Mental Health Awareness Week	Mental Health Awareness Week is an annual event where there is an opportunity for the whole of the UK to focus on achieving good mental health.	Mental Health Awareness Week
17 May International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia & Transgender	The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia was created in 2004 to draw the attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex people and all other people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics.	International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia & Transgender

June 2023

Date & Event	Information	Dundee City Council / Promotion Links
01-30 June Gypsy, Roma & Travellers History Month	Through celebration, education and raising awareness, Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month helps to tackle prejudice, challenge myths and to amplify the voices of Gypsies, Roma and Travellers in wider society.	Gypsy, Roma & Travellers History Month
15 June World Elder Abuse Awareness Day	An opportunity to generate renewed momentum for international action to advance the ageing agenda.	World Elder Abuse Day
19 to 25 June Scottish Learning Disability Week	Scottish Learning Disability Week Scottish Learning Disability Week is Scotland’s learning disability awareness raising week, which takes place in May every year. Every year has a different theme that is important to the lives of people with a learning disability.	Scottish Learning Disability Week DCC will engage with the Scottish Commission for People with Learning Disabilities (SCLD) and will support this week via promotion of local events & activities via social media.
June 2023 Carers Week	Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK. It also helps people who don’t think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much-needed support.	Carers Week 2022(link to be updated for 2023) DHSCP support events to highlight carers in city and provide additional information on support available.
20-26 June Refugee Week	Refugee Week is a UK-wide festival celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary.	Refugee Week DCC will promote this Month via promotion of local events & activities via social media.

July 2023

Date & Event	Information	Dundee City Council / Promotion Links
01-31 July Samaritans - Talk To Us Month 24 July 24/7 Samaritans Awareness Day / The Big Listen 2022	Every year in July, Samaritans branches in the UK and Republic of Ireland hold local events to raise awareness that Samaritans are here to listen to anyone who’s struggling to cope, at any time of the day or night.	Awareness Campaign Talk to Us Toolkit On this page you’ll find a range of assets including images, GIFs, suggested social media posts and an internal news story for your organisation to share throughout July. #TalkToUs and #SamaritansAwarenessDay
25 July National Schizophrenia Awareness Day	National Schizophrenia Awareness, shines a light on the everyday challenges faced by hundreds of thousands of people living with a diagnosis of schizophrenia in the UK and millions more worldwide. It also looks at how we can tackle some of the stigma and discrimination surrounding this much-misunderstood illness.	National Schizophrenia Awareness Day

Date & Event

Information

Dundee City Council /
Promotion Links

01-31 July
Samaritans - Talk To Us Month

24 July
24/7 Samaritans Awareness Day / The Big Listen 2022

Every year in July, Samaritans branches in the UK and Republic of Ireland hold local events to raise awareness that Samaritans are here to listen to anyone who’s struggling to cope, at any time of the day or night.

Awareness Campaign

Talk to Us Toolkit

On this page you’ll find a range of assets including images, GIFs, suggested social media posts and an internal news story for your organisation to share throughout July.

#TalkToUs and #SamaritansAwarenessDay

25 July
National Schizophrenia Awareness Day

National Schizophrenia Awareness, shines a light on the everyday challenges faced by hundreds of thousands of people living with a diagnosis of schizophrenia in the UK and millions more worldwide. It also looks at how we can tackle some of the stigma and discrimination surrounding this much-misunderstood illness.

National Schizophrenia Awareness Day

August 2023

Date & Event	Information	Dundee City Council / Promotion Links
12 August International Youth Day	On International Youth Day, there are major media campaigns on TV, radio, online, and through other venues to empower youth and encourage them to take more control over the issues that have the biggest impacts on their lives	International Youth Day

British Sign Language (BSL) Information

British Deaf ASsociation are holding their Sign Language Week from the 13th March 2023. For more information visit www.signlanguageweek.org.uk

Useful Links can be found here. Scrolling down you will see '7 tips for better access to Scottish Public Services' and a number of Frequently Asked Questions.

BSL Helpline

For Deaf BSL users: If you would like some support on councils and health, please contact us at:

Helen - Council helen.morgans-wenhold@bda.org.uk 07885 367674
James - Health james.barnes-miller@bda.org.uk 07814 67559

999 for BSL Users

The UK emergency services provides a video link to enable BSL users to access the 999 emergency services. To access information on how to use this, download the app, or to make an emergency call if required, please follow this link: https://999bsl.co.uk/

Cost of Living Crisis

Involving and Engaging with Deaf Community training

Ross Craig, the Council’s Equalities & Fairness Officer recently attended BDA’s 4th and last empowerment training session for professionals from public services across Scotland. The session, delivered by Robin Ash, BDA's BSL Equality and Rights Coordinator, had fourteen participants joining to learn about how to engage with the Deaf community in Scotland.

“This was a great opportunity to strengthen our partnership with BDA Nationally, and explore how we can work together to better engage with and support Dundee’s BSL Community at the Local Level"

BSL Information videos on Council Services
Download the British Sign Language (BSL) Plan (390KB PDF)
Download the BSL Progress Report

View the video

Useful Links

National Links

Local Links

Dundee Health & Social Care Partnership
DCC Fairness information

Training Links

Sensory Impairment E-Learning - Full Transcript of Course
Sensory Impairment E-Learning

For further information on Dundee City Council's Equality and Diversity please contact:

Email: ross.craig@dundeecity.gov.uk