The Race Relations Act 1976 made it unlawful to discriminate against a person, directly or indirectly on racial grounds in: employment; education; housing; and in the provision of goods, facilities and services. These cover the grounds of race, colour, nationality (including citizenship) and national or ethnic origin. This means that all people within the county are protected. The Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 required the public sector to meet the following duty:

• To eliminate unlawful discrimination;
• To promote equal opportunities;
• To promote good relations between people from different racial groups.
  
  

The duty requires us to pre-empt unlawful discrimination before it occurs. This means not simply to avoid doing something, (for example, not being racist) but to be proactive in promoting race equality (for example, to take steps to ensure no one will be racist.)

The Equality Act replaced the equality legislation on race discrimination on October 1 2010. The changes included introducing new powers for employment tribunals to make recommendations which benefit the wider workforce, and harmonising provisions allowing voluntary positive action.

Essex County Council works with third sector organisations to find out how to improve access to services for black and minority ethnic people, including Gypsies, Roma and Irish Travellers.

The Council works towards creating a workplace with a culture of dignity and respect. The Black and Minority Ethnic Employees Network at Essex County Council supports this aim. The group helps to influence change in services, policies and procedures, and give employees the opportunity to discuss issues in confidence within a supportive network. 

The group meets regularly and is open to all employees.