On 22 September 2011, WMEN held a workshop to raise awareness about the relationship between European funding and the UK Equalities Act 2010. It was designed to be a balanced mixture – setting the big picture, explaining policy requirements and giving practical advice that delegates could take back to their organisations.

The half-day event covered:

• An overview of requirements to promote equal opportunities and gender equality under EU Structural Funds (incl. policy evaluation tools)
• Explanation of essential details of the UK Equalities Act 2010, human rights and tips on how organisations can comply with the current legislation
• New ways of developing good relationship and partnership working between all the sectors of the community in trying to eliminate discrimination and promote equality of opportunity
• Case study – ERDF funded EASED project ‘Enabling Access to Self Employment for the Disabled’ (Focus Enterprises).

The workshop was aimed at organisations in receipt of European Funding, those considering applying for EU Structural Funds grant and those keen to develop their equalities good practice in order to comply with current legislation.

Delegates learned that, regardless of the funding stream, organisations are required to demonstrate that they comply with UK legislation and that equal opportunities principles, strategies and practice are integrated into their daily activities.

Below are the electronic copies of the presentations given during the day. Please click on the individual links to download the relevant presentation.

Introduction
Vaida Lukošiūtė, West Midlands European Network

Overview of the cross-cutting themes with ERDF and ESF funding streams
Vaida Lukošiūtė, West Midlands European Network

EHRC Equality Act 2010 and the guidance process for voluntary/community sector
Jagdish Singh-Shemare, Equalities and Human Rights Commission

Mainstreaming Equal Opportunities within EASED project
Alexander Hicks, Focus Enterprises

Partnership Working to Promote Sustainability and Growth
Hilda Bertie, Rights & Fairness Telford

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