Agenda item

The Chair invited Jon Sutcliffe, Senior Adviser, to introduce the item. 

Jon stated that the paper presents a summary of analysis of the data on the gender pay gap recently made available by the Government Equalities Office, based on mandatory reporting for medium-sized and larger organisations. 

Despite data limitations, Local Government overall comes out of the consultation reasonably well.  Jon stated that there is an opportunity to present a good message on progress and also highlight the type of support and advice that the LGA is able to give to Councils to help them continue to address any gender pay gap issues. 

Jon went on to state the team would like an indication from members of support for the idea of a ‘member champion on equality diversity issues’.  Jon stated that this signals to other organisations that the LGA is taking diversity and the gender pay gap seriously. 

The Chair thanked Jon for the update and welcomed members comments:

·         Members welcomed the idea of a member champion, but stated this should be deferred until the new board cycle of 2018/19.

·         Member requested more information regarding the role’s jurisdiction and responsibilities.  

Action

·         A new Member Champion for Diversity and the Gender Pay Gap to be selected in the 2018/19 board cycle.