illustration for the drivers of inequality

Driver Category 6.4

Lack of institutions that promote inclusion and participation

This driver category covers the existence of stakeholder groups that allow stakeholders a voice and the facility to participate in decision making - tenancy associations, patients’ groups, school parent associations, etc. It covers trade unions and community groups. It reflects the fact that structures need to be in place to allow for participation.

Guiding Questions

Stakeholder voice and influence in education establishments

  • Do all schools require there to be parent representation on the board of governors or equivalent management group?
  • Are parent representatives elected by the school parent body?
  • Are these parents provided with appropriate training and support?
  • Do school decision making structures allow for parent representatives' voice to be effective?
  • Are parents permitted to set-up school parent councils or school parent associations?
  • Does the school management attend and participate in any council meetings?
  • Does the school management respond appropriately to concerns and suggestions raised by these councils?
  • Do schools have student school councils?
  • Are student representatives elected by their peers?
  • Is there evidence that student voice is effective and influential in schools?
  • Are student representatives integrated into the management structure within further and higher education institutions?
  • Are these structures effective in responding to student representative suggestions and concerns?
  • Are parents and children kept informed of school news in a timely manner?
  • Are they consulted appropriately and are there responses given due consideration?

Trade unions

  • Are trade unions or worker associations legal?
  • Are workers represented across all occupations and industries, in both the private and public sectors?
  • Are trade unions effective at representing those working in jobs predominately undertaken by minority groups?
  • Do trade unions negotiate with employers on workers terms and conditions of employment as well as pay?
  • Is trade union membership increasing or declining?
  • Do trade unions effectively consult their members?

Tenancy associations

  • How widespread are tenancy associations for those living in social housing or housing associations?
  • How do tenancy associations fit within the overall housing management structures?
  • Are tenants given an effective voice within these structures?
  • Is there evidence that tenants concerns about security, fire safety, crime, maintenance, etc. influences landlords?
  • Is there an independent association which supports members of tenancy associations?

Patient groups and community groups

  • Are there effective key stakeholder groups within the community?
  • For example, are there patient groups, local area associations, and transport groups?
  • How is membership of these groups decided? Are members representative of the stakeholder groups?
  • Is there sufficient diversity and gender balance within the membership of these groups?
  • Are members provided with sufficient training, advice and support so that they can have a voice but also influence?

Indicators

Potential indicators to monitor the drivers of inequalities in this main driver category

  • Number of staff employed by equality body and annual budget
  • Appointment of a government women’s minister
  • Amount spent on inclusive school policy
  • Amount spent on independent government funded reviews into aspects of inclusion and participation

Candidate Policies

To see related Candidate Policies in this main driver category please click here.