A new equality and diversity policy has been agreed for Dorset County Council.

Cabinet member for the workforce, Peter Wharf, said that a small group of councillors had worked with council officer groups to develop the document.

“We have quite deliberately constructed our own plan, rather than duplicate something produced by others, because we wanted something tailored to us,” he said.

Council leader Rebecca Knox said the document would be considered each time the authority considered changing its policies, together with its health and safety document.

“It’s really important and an ongoing process. Our staff forum for equality and diversity is a very active one.”

Cllr Wharf added: "The new policy was good news – something which we are very proud of.”