Ref: 08/03
Date: 06 March 2003

Oftel has today set out how it will promote race equality through its regulatory and employment policies.

Oftel’s Race Equality Scheme confirms Oftel’s commitment to ensure that it meets requirements under the Race Relations Act to promote equal opportunities and good race relations, as well as eliminating any unlawful discrimination.

Key commitments set out in the Scheme include:

• assessing and consulting on the likely impact of Oftel's functions and policies on the promotion of race equality;
• ensuring that information and services are accessible to all stakeholders;
• ensuring that Oftel staff are fully trained to understand and carry out the duties imposed by the Race Relations Act; and
• monitoring Oftel's functions and policies for any adverse impact on the promotion of race equality.

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.

"The publication of our Race Equality Scheme backs up our commitment to meeting the targets set out in the Race Relations Act.

"I am keen that Oftel should build on this achievement and work with other organisations to share best practice in promoting race equality in the workplace.

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

Notes to editors

Oftel's Race Equality Scheme is published on Oftel's website at www.oftel.gov.uk/publications/about_oftel/2003/race0303.htm and a Welsh summary is available at www.oftel.gov.uk/publications/welsh/race0303_welsh.pdf. 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.