Preliminary Market Engagement Exercise for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Review, Audit and Strategy Development

The Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk is seeking to undertake a comprehensive review of its Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) approach, policies, procedures, services and facilities to ensure compliance with current legislation, reflect emerging best practice, and support the development of a long-term strategic approach to equality across the borough.

Following the Supreme Court judgment in For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers and the subsequent publication of updated Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) Code of Practice, the Council has identified the need to review its existing EDI arrangements and ensure that policies, procedures and facilities remain compliant with the Equality Act 2010 and Public Sector Equality Duty requirements.

The Council is therefore undertaking a pre-market engagement exercise to inform the future procurement of specialist consultancy support. The anticipated commission is expected to include:

An audit of Council facilities, including buildings, toilets, changing facilities and other relevant spaces

A review of internal policies, systems, procedures and practices

Consideration of resident facing services, facilities and processes

Recommendations for policy, procedural and facility improvements

Development of an updated EDI Policy and supporting guidance

Development of an overarching EDI Strategy for the Borough Council and West Norfolk

The Council wishes to engage with suitably qualified consultants and organisations to understand market capability, delivery approaches, emerging best practice, indicative costs, timescales and procurement considerations before finalising the scope and specification of any future procurement exercise.