Ayrshire

3.1 Consultation

The Board is a very small organisation with limited functions and has recognised that it does not have the resources to undertake detailed consultations directly with the various racial, disability and gender groups to which its statutory duties extend. The Board has sought to liaise indirectly with these groups through its constituent Councils and the Ayrshire Equalities Partnership. Information has been provided to the Board of consultation exercises undertaken by the constituent Councils. In particular the Board's lead authority, South Ayrshire Council, has devoted resources to supporting the Board in achieving its equality duties and has shared the outcome of its consultations. The Board gratefully acknowledges this assistance from South Ayrshire Council.

The Ayrshire Equalities Partnership Group meets at quarterly intervals for the express purpose of discussing equality issues. There is representation on the Group from South Ayrshire Council, North Ayrshire Council, East Ayrshire Council, Strathclyde Police, Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Service, NHS Ayrshire and Arran, Ayrshire Sikh Association, and Ayrshire Minority Ethnic Community Association. The Partnership provides an invaluable opportunity to discuss various approaches to equality issues and it is anticipated that in future it will provide a platform by which collaborative actions and consultations can be undertaken.

3.2 Outcome of Consultation

The outcome of these various consultations has led the Board to focus its attention on the following specific areas of equality: