Ref: 60/02
Date: 15 October 2002

Oftel has today published its draft race equality scheme for consultation.

The scheme will ensure that Oftel meets requirements under the Race Relations Act for public authorities to promote equal opportunities and good race relations, as well as eliminating any unlawful discrimination.

The scheme sets out Oftel's approach to race equality and how this will be applied to its regulatory and employment policies.

Key proposals set out in the draft scheme include:

• monitoring of key policy documents and employee figures to ensure racial equality - taking appropriate action where any adverse impact on equality is identified;
• ensuring that information and services are accessible to all stakeholders; and
• ensuring that staff are fully trained to understand and carry out duties imposed by the Race Relations Act.

David Edmonds, Director General of Telecommunications said today:

"Oftel is a committed equal opportunities employer and equality of opportunity for consumers is an important consideration in establishing our policies. This scheme confirms that commitment.

"We are consulting our stakeholders on what should be included in the scheme. By asking for feedback at this stage we will produce an action plan that fully represents those affected by our work.

"The scheme will remain a working document that will be reviewed regularly and revised where appropriate."

Notes to editors

1. Oftel's draft race equality scheme is published on Oftel's website at www.oftel.gov.uk/publications/about_oftel/2002/res1002.htm. Hard copies are available to the media from Oftel's Press Office on 020 7634 8991 and to the public from Oftel's Research and Information Unit on 020 7634 8761.

2. Oftel asks for comments on the draft race equality scheme by 7 January 2003 and hopes to publish its RES in February 2003.