In the lead up to International Women's Day on 9 March 2009, Suffolk County Council has re-iterated its promise and commitment to treat all in Suffolk fairly.

A new Equality Standard Commitment Charter was signed by the council's Strategic Diversity Group recently, to set out how the county council and Customer Service Direct will make sure this happens.

Cllr Jeremy Pembroke, Leader of Suffolk County Council, said: "It's important that the council is as easy to access as possible for people in Suffolk, and that we do all we can to consider the impact our actions may have on different sections of the community. This new charter will help everyone to understand the principles of treating people fairly."

The charter covers areas such as:

- Ensuring the council doesn't break any equality laws or codes of practices

- Expecting staff and councillors to think about the impact their actions may have on different sections of the community

- Consulting and involving staff and the wider public in decision-making - including through staff support networks and groups such as the Disability Forum for Suffolk

- Making sure that staff and contractors are aware of the importance of customer care and of treating people fairly

- Making sure recruitment procedures are fair and that staff are properly trained

- Doing all we can to stop harassment, discrimination and bullying at work.

Suffolk County Council will be marking this year's International Women's Day with a special event on Monday 9 March. The event, being held in the Atrium in Endeavour House, Ipswich from 10am to 2pm, aims to promote women's achievements and support women's aspirations.

Andrea Hill, Suffolk County Council's Chief Executive will open the event at 10am in the Endeavour House Atrium, kicking off a day of talks, stalls and taster sessions.

A number of speakers will be giving inspirational talks in the Britten Room, which people are welcome to come along and listen to:

§ 10:30 - Regan Delaney, head teacher at Nayland Primary School

§ 10:50 - Assis Carreiro, Chief Executive and Artistic Director, Dance East

§ 11:30 - Bridget Taylor, Chief Executive of CSD

§ 13:00 - Sue Lowndes, Foster Carers

§ 13:20 - Hilda Turner, ACE


Organisations that will have stalls in the Atrium area include the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich Women's Aid, Suffolk Stop Smoking, the Fawcett Society and the NIA project; plus there will be crafts, cards and cosmetics stalls