Equality & Diversity Key Facts
A link to key information about equality and diversity in Solihull, in particular Census information provided by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and details of voluntary groups through the SUSTAiN website. It also provides a link to the Solihull Faiths' Forum webpage and equality briefing papers produced by brap.
This is a developing resource for anyone wishing to know more about equality and diversity issues and what they mean for people living and working in Solihull. If there is a source of information, or a support organisation that you would like to see featured here, please email us with your suggestion.
Statistics
The main national source for statistical information on population breakdown is the Office for National Statistics (ONS). In particular, it is responsible for undertaking the Census every ten years, and publishing key statistics from it. The Census is a count of all people in the United Kingdom at a specified time. The latest Census was held on Sunday 27 March 2011, although the data obtained will not be fully available until 2013.
Information from the Census (the previous Census was in 2001) can be broken down into specific geographical areas, such as the Borough of Solihull. A wide range of information on Solihull can be found in General Facts and Figures about Solihull.
Key statistics covering equality and diversity information such as gender, age, 'birth location', 'culture', religion, health and employment can be found in 2001 Census - Key Statistics - Part 1 of 2.
Support Organisations
Solihull Council's main partner in working with voluntary and community groups is SUSTAiN. In fact it is a consortium of community and voluntary sector organisations working with us to support and develop the network of local charities, voluntary organisations, community groups, faith groups, social enterprise and other 'not for profit' organisations in Solihull. SUSTAiN 'provides support, development and representation for all Voluntary & Community Sector organisations serving the people of Solihull.'
An important task that SUSTAiN performs is to maintain the Solihull Voluntary & Community Services Directory. The Directory lists community and voluntary sector groups, categorised by the work they do or their area of interest. Categories relating to Equality & Diversity include:
- Abuse & Survivor Support
- Advocacy & Advice
- Black or Minority Ethnic
- Caring Services & Support
- Disability - Learning
- Disability - Physical/Sensory
- Domestic Violence
- Equality & Human Rights
- Faith & Belief
- Health - Mental
- Health - Physical
- HIV/AIDS/Sexual Health
- Refugee and Asylum
- Senior Citizens
- Transport
- Young People
SUSTAiN has produced guidance for voluntary & community sector organisations on 'Equality, Diversity and Cohesion'.
Solihull Faiths' Forum
The Solihull Faiths' Forum exists to bring together faith groups who are interested in fostering greater mutual understanding and friendship. The group seeks to promote greater understanding and appreciation amongst local people of the rich diversity of belief and practise within our own community and beyond. Its aims are to:
- live peacefully together
- involve faith and cultural groups in the civic and public life of the borough
- enable the Council, Solihull Partnership and local faith groups to discuss matters of mutual concern or interest.
More information can be found on the Solihull Faiths' Forum webpage.
brap - Briefing Papers
brap is 'a think fair tank, inspiring and leading change to make public, private and voluntary sector organisations fit for the needs of a more diverse society. brap offers tailored, progressive and common sense approaches to equalities training, consultancy and community engagement issues'.
brap has produced a number of briefing papers on a wide range of equality related topics such as 'Islamophobia’, Community Participation, the Social Construction of Race, and Human Rights.