28 July 2016

Views on equalities sought from people living or working in Aberdeenshire

Aberdeenshire Council is seeking the views of people living or working in the area as part of its ongoing work to support equalities.

People can sometimes face challenges related to what are known as ‘protected characteristics’.

Equalities legislation in the UK protects the following nine characteristics: age, gender, race, religion/belief, sexual orientation, disability, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, and gender reassignment.

The Living and Working survey asks for views on whether circumstances have improved, become worse or stayed the same over the past three years, both in terms of living and working in Aberdeenshire, and in using council services.

The survey is open until midnight on Sunday, August 14, and can be found at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/liveandwork16

Aberdeenshire Council Co-Leader Cllr Martin Kitts-Hayes, said: “People living and working in Aberdeenshire should be able to do so without harassment, prejudice or discrimination.

“This survey will help us identify any positive or negative trends and, in turn, help us develop an action plan to drive success and address any issues raised.”

Co-Leader Cllr Richard Thomson said: “Aberdeenshire Council is committed to improving the life experiences of everyone living or working in Aberdeenshire.

“The survey is anonymous and we hope this will encourage people to share their views in confidence.”