The Sheffield Equality Partnership (previously Equality Hub Network (EHN)) is an independent advisory group established by Sheffield City Council to create a space in which to enable our diverse communities to have greater voice and influence over decisions in the city.
There are 7 individual hubs representing the following communities:
- Age Hub (intergenerational)
- BAMER Hub (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic, Refugee)
- Carers' Partnership
- Disability Partnership (all impairments)
- LGBT+ Partnership (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, other sexual orientations and gender identities)
- Religion/Belief/No Belief Hub (includes no religious belief)
- Women's Partnership
Following concerns raised at the Network Board, we undertook an appraisal of the EHN, in order to clarify the role and purpose of it and whether our existing structures are fit for purpose to deliver this. The response to COVID-19 has also accelerated our testing out of different ways of working together, including increased opportunities using online engagement. As a result, we remain committed to making sure there is dedicated equalities based work around engagement and influence in the city and agreed a new way forward in Partnership with the 6 support organisations.
Our new Equality Partnership includes a strengthened role for support organisations and an increased focus on joint working. The priorities over the next few years will be working with our communities in the response to and recovery from COVID-19, Equality Objectives, consultations and how we work within local area communities.
We will continue to communicate with you about equalities and engagement issues via the mailing list. You can contact any of the support organisations below about the partnership work they support.
Grants supporting the Equality Partnerships
The Equality and Fairness Grants 2017-20 Fund has been extended and is specifically for coordinating each of the Equality Partnerships (excluding the Carers’ Hub, which is included in the Carers' Contract). The fund ensures effectiveness and enables joint working.
The grants recipients, amounts awarded and their corresponding Equality Partnerships are:
- Age Partnership: Age UK (£11,250) and Sheffield Futures (£3,725)
- BAMER Partnership: FaithStar Foundation (£15,000)
- Disability Partnership: Disability Sheffield (£15,000)
- LGBT+ Partnership: LGBT Sheffield (£10,000)
- Belief and/or Religion Partnership: FaithStar Foundation (£10,000)
- Women’s Partnership: Together Women (£10,000)
As outlined in the March 2014 Individual Cabinet Member Report, a review of the Equality Hub Network took place a year after the Hubs started to meet.
The purpose of the review was to capture the achievements and challenges of the Equality Hub Network in order to build on what's working well, address issues where possible, and continue to increase its effectiveness.
The review activities included review and celebration event, individual interviews and a survey.
You can download the full review report.