DRAFT North Somerset Sustainable Community Strategy 08 - 26.pdf

• Inform people about the challenges, opportunities and priorities inNorth Somerset and encourage local involvement in driving forwardsustainable development.Our Partnership CommitmentsThroughout this strategy we show how local organisations will worktogether to address important issues that can be best achieved inpartnership. Through our partnership efforts we are committed to:• Sustainable developmentThis strategy has been built around the principles of sustainabledevelopment. By implementing this strategy, the NSP will contribute tothe achievement of sustainability, both locally and more widely, byworking with local people to identify and take action on local goals andpriorities. These will link to regional, national and even global aims,where this is necessary.• Community EngagementWe want to harness the local skills, knowledge, experience andenthusiasm within our communities by working together. We willencourage involvement in partnership consultations, forums, events,local projects and decision making, and will continue to work with localpeople and community representatives to support this.• Customer FocusOur customers, including residents, businesses and visitors to NorthSomerset, are our focus when working together to develop plans. Wewill work together to ensure we provide value for money and improveaccess to services and facilities when delivering our programmes.• Tackling inequalities and disadvantageOverall the quality of life across the area is good, but there are somevery significant pockets of deprivation reflected by inequalities in health,limited access to affordable and decent housing, and to services,employment and training opportunities. The NSP will tackle these issuesas a priority.• Promoting community cohesion, equality and diversityWe want to encourage a sense of belonging for all and ensure thatdiversity is appreciated and valued, with positive relationshipsdeveloped between generations and with people from different culturalbackgrounds.We will not discriminate against people, treat them unfairly, or createartificial barriers that prevent them participating in or benefiting from ourwork. We recognise this includes taking action to ensure that all peoplecan benefit from our work and services, and employment opportunities,even if they have not done so historically, or if the work is not particularlyaimed at them, or if they have care responsibilities.The work of the partnership will embrace the spirit and application ofequalities legislation 2 to ensure that we deliver fair and equitable workprogrammes that are accessible to all.7