Equality toolkit

The CWU communication workers’ union has launched an equality officers’ toolkit, which is described by national officer Linda Roy as a “ground-breaking initiative”.

Entitled DEBUT, the toolkit has been part-funded by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. It covers the role of equality officer, drawing up an equality action plan, representing members, family-friendly policies and gives guidance on equality legislation.

General secretary Billy Hayes says in the introduction that the toolkit will support equality reps to support members who have equality issues at work. “The value of this to the employer should also not be underestimated,” he emphasises, stating the union’s commitment to to building positive relations, particularly where the employer recognises the value of equality reps’ role “to promote a positive equality agenda”.