Council highlights progress on equality, diversity and inclusion

Denbighshire County Council has highlighted a year of progress in promoting equality, diversity and inclusion, as part of its Strategic Equality and Diversity Group (SEDG) Annual Statement for 2025 to 2026.

The report, which will be presented to full Council on 7 July 2026, sets out the continued commitment to creating a fair, inclusive and welcoming organisation, and to supporting safe and inclusive communities across Denbighshire.

The report sets out key achievements during the year which include being awarded Level 3 Disability Confident Leader status in March 2026, the highest level of the UK Government’s Disability Confident scheme. The recognition demonstrates the council’s leadership, transparency and commitment to continuous improvement in how it recruits, supports and develops people with disabilities.

SEDG was established nearly four years ago and continues to help embed equality, diversity and inclusion across council business, supporting a culture where people are treated with dignity and respect and where discrimination, harassment and offensive behaviour are not tolerated.

During 2025 to 2026, the group’s work included overseeing equality objectives within the council’s Corporate Plan, reviewing Well-being Impact Assessments, supporting the refresh of the Anti-Racism Wales Action Plan, considering Public Sector Equality Duty and Gender Pay Gap reports, and completing research on child poverty measures and indicators.

Cllr Julie Matthews, Lead Member for Corporate Strategy, Policy, Equalities and Assets, said: “We are proud of the progress made during the year, including achieving Disability Confident Leader status and strengthening the way equality, diversity and inclusion are considered across the council’s work. This agenda is central to our values of pride, unity, respect and integrity, and to our ambition to support a Denbighshire where everyone can fulfil their potential.”

Looking ahead to next year, the group will continue to support work contributing to Wales-wide equality, diversity and inclusion missions. The Council will also continue to improve its use of equality-related data and explore ways to amplify lived experience voices and perspectives.

Cllr Matthews went on to say: “We recognise there is always more to do, and we remain committed to continuous improvement within the resources available. By listening, learning and working with communities and partners, we can continue to remove barriers, challenge discrimination and promote inclusion across Denbighshire.”

You can view the full paper going to council on 7 July on the website.