Durham Strategic Plan Dashboard
Prosperity
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Initiative: 4.21 Review internal citywide policies with an equity lens
Innovative & High Performing Organization
Description
Reviewing citywide internal policies with an equity lens is a way to identify (and make recommendations to eliminate) inequities that might exist. This is done by utilizing an equity review tool which consist of questions to answer that highlight outcomes, data/demographics, employee engagement, accountability, and the benefit or harm that may exist for City of Durham employees. Conducting policy reviews with an equity lens is important because it allows us to analyze the impact of the design and implementation of policies on underserved and marginalized individuals and groups. We also expect to be able to make recommendations to create more just and equitable outcomes for City employees.
Key Measures & Data Analysis
Fiscal 24 was the first year for review of HR policies with an equity lens. Reviewing HR policies with an equity lens provides an opportunity to ensure rules and decisions are fair for everyone. It also offers the ability to integrate more inclusive language. By looking at policies this way, it ensures that decisions consider the different needs of people. This approach provides a voice and advocacy for change for those the policy might disproportionately impact.
In fiscal year 24, Equity and Inclusion staff worked on and made recommendations to HR regarding the following policies:
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- Grievance
- Disciplinary
- Recruitment & Selection
- Medical Leave
- Personal Illness and Injury
In fiscal year 25, we expect to review 7 to 10 HR policies with an equity lens. We also plan to teach departments that have policies the process of review with an equity lens.
Equitable review of policies
Why is it important?
Reviewing Citywide Internal Policies with an equity lens embeds equitable considerations in city policies and further meets the goal of achieving an innovative and high-performance organization. This initiative moves the needle by identifying inequities that may exist in policies that affect the entire organization, but specifically underserved and marginalized groups. This initiative will promote efficiency by reducing risk over time. Risks will be reduced by identifying and removing language, processes and/or procedures in policies that disproportionately impact employees. Lastly, it will create just outcomes for city employees and continue to make the City of Durham a great place to live, work, and play.
What have we been doing?
- Received insight from Madison, WI on update to their personnel policies
- Personal Illness & Injury Policy Review
- Family & Medical Leave Act Policy Review
- Created a Summary Report for Human Resources Department
- Met with Human Resources Department to share updates
What's next?
- Human Resources Department will respond to the Summary Report
- E&I will create an Executive Roundtable Memo which summarizes the Summary Report provided to HR
- Solidifying a collaborative formal review process
- Sick Leave Policy Review
- Tuition Reimbursement Policy Review
City Website Home Page: Durham, NC | Official Website (durhamnc.gov)
Budget Website Page: Budget & Management Services Department | Durham, NC (durhamnc.gov)
Budget and Management Services Department
Office of Performance and Innovation
Strategy and Performance Division