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Action Plan – Thematic Strategy on Diversity and Inclusion 2022–2023

The action plan will continue until a new plan is ready in 2024.

Strategy 1: Build a culture for diversity and inclusion 

Measure 1.1 

Internal training and awareness of how to practice diversity leadership in the organization. The training should show good practice and examples from our own operations. Make relevant, existing guidelines within diversity and inclusion known (e.g., HSE manual).

Responsibility for measure 1.1 

• Office of the County Council Leader (coordinating responsibility) 
• Finance and Administration 
• Education and Competence 
• Planning, Climate and Environment 
• Transportation 
• Industry and Dental Health 
• Culture and Diversity 

When measure 1.1 is implemented 

Start-up 2022–23, an ongoing task.

Measure 1.2 

Increase competence through courses, workshops, and training programs in all council areas.

Responsibility for measure 1.2 

• Office of the County Council Leader (coordinating responsibility) 
• Finance and Administration 
• Education and Competence 
• Planning, Climate and Environment 
• Transportation 
• Industry and Dental Health 
• Culture and Diversity 

When measure 1.2 is implemented 

Start-up 2022–23, an ongoing task.

Measure 1.3 

Implement the activity and disclosure obligations as an employer and public authority, cf. requirements in the Discrimination and Equality Act, chapter 4. This should meet the EU's requirements for a plan for equality.
Seek guidance on the activity and accounting duties from relevant external authorities and actors in the field of diversity.

Responsibility for measure 1.3 

• Finance and Administration (coordinating responsibility) 
• Office of the County Council Leader (coordinating responsibility) 
• Education and Competence 
• Planning, Climate and Environment 
• Transportation 
• Industry and Dental Health 
• Culture and Diversity

When measure 1.3 is implemented 

To be completed in 2022. To be included in the annual report for 2022, an ongoing task.

Measure 1.4 

Be aware of and communicate practices on diversity and inclusion in the operation. Identify needs and targeted measures. National and international collaboration can contribute to increased knowledge about others' practices.

Responsibility for measure 1.4 

• Office of the County Council Leader (coordinating responsibility) 
• Finance and Administration Education and Competence 
• Planning, Climate and Environment 
• Transportation 
• Industry and Dental Health 
• Culture and Diversity

When measure 1.4 is implemented 

Start-up 2022–23, an ongoing task.

Measure 1.5 

Map perceived and structural racism and discrimination in Viken County Municipality's services, workplaces, schools, and other meeting places and counter with measures.

Responsibility for measure 1.5 

• Office of the County Council Leader (coordinating responsibility) 
• Finance and Administration 
• Education and Competence 
• Planning, Climate and Environment 
• Transportation
•  Industry and Dental Health 
• Culture and Diversity

When measure 1.5 is implemented 

Start-up 2022–23, an ongoing task.

Measure 1.6 

Incorporate diversity, inclusion, integration, and universal design in the communication strategies for Viken County Municipality. Communication, text, graphics, illustrations, and images should reflect the diversity of the population. Establish a common glossary and understanding. Create an annual calendar for relevant commemorative days (e.g., Pride, Eid, March 8, World Refugee Day, anti-racism, Sign Language Day).

Responsibility for measure 1.6 

• Office of the County Council Leader (coordinating responsibility) 
• Finance and Administration 
• Education and Competence 
• Planning, Climate and Environment 
• Transportation 
• Industry and Dental Health 
• Culture and Diversity

When measure 1.6 is implemented 

Start-up 2022–23, an ongoing task.

Measure 1.7 

A coordinating, interdisciplinary unit/task force is to be established to implement the strategy. The group should also identify any needs for measures within the tool category of innovation and research in the field.

Responsibility for measure 1.7 

• Office of the County Council Leader (coordinating responsibility) 
• Finance and Administration 
• Education and Competence 
• Planning, Climate and Environment 
• Transportation 
• Industry and Dental Health 
• Culture and Diversity

When measure 1.7 is implemented 

2022.

Measure 1.8 

In line with "Norwegian standard for diversity leadership (NS) 11201:2018 Management system for diversity," Viken County Municipality shall start a pilot in a selected entity within the county municipality.

Responsibility for measure 1.8 

Office of the County Council Leader (coordinating responsibility)

When measure 1.8 is implemented 

2022.

Strategy 2: Work for wide participation in democratic processes, participation, and a more even distribution of decision-making power

Measure 2.1 

Map representativeness in political bodies, boards, councils, and networks.
The county municipality shall contribute to increased diversity and representation in boards and positions and set requirements for operational support and partnerships.

Responsibility for measure 2.1 

• Finance and Administration (coordinating responsibility) 
• Office of the County Council Leader (coordinating responsibility) 
• Education and Competence 
• Planning, Climate and Environment 
• Transportation 
• Industry and Dental Health 
• Culture and Diversity

When measure 2.1 is implemented 

Start-up 2022–23, an ongoing task.

Measure 2.2 

Find and use methods to ensure real participation that promotes equality in process and outcome. Use new methods (innovation of services) for user participation to gain knowledge about the needs and interests among minorities in the population.

Responsibility for measure 2.2 

• Planning, Climate and Environment (coordinating responsibility) 
• Finance and Administration (coordinating responsibility) 
• Office of the County Council Leader 
• Education and Competence 
• Transportation 
• Industry and Dental Health 
• Culture and Diversity

When measure 2.2 is implemented 

Start-up 2022–23, an ongoing task.

Measure 2.3 

Evaluate use of own participation bodies.

Responsibility for measure 2.3 

Finance and Administration (coordinating responsibility).

When measure 2.3 is implemented 

2022–23.

Strategy 3: Promote diversity and inclusion in guidance and collaboration

Measure 3.1 

Review internal and external collaboration and network activity on the topics of diversity, integration, and universal design. Assess the need for new networks or to adjust or coordinate existing ones.

Responsibility for measure 3.1 

• Culture and Diversity (coordinating responsibility) 
• Planning, Climate and Environment (coordinating responsibility) 
• Office of the County Council Leader (coordinating responsibility) 
• Finance and Administration 
• Education and Competence Transportation 
• Industry and Dental Health

When measure 3.1 is implemented 

2022–23.

Measure 3.2 

Further develop the role the county municipality has as responsible for the regional work with integration and universal design, and use the potential of the role of social developer within diversity, integration, and universal design.

Responsibility for measure 3.2 

• Culture and Diversity (coordinating responsibility) 
• Office of the County Council Leader 
• Planning, Climate and Environment 
• Industry and Dental Health 
• Education and Competence

When measure 3.2 is implemented 

Start-up 2022–23, an ongoing task.

Measure 3.3 

Develop a knowledge base for requesting the settlement of refugees in the municipalities in Viken.

Responsibility for measure 3.3 

• Education and Competence (coordinating responsibility) 
• Culture and Diversity (coordinating responsibility) 
• Industry and Dental Health

When measure 3.3 is implemented 

Start-up 2022–23, an ongoing task.

Measure 3.4 

Set requirements for diversity, inclusion, integration, and universal design in procurements and in criteria for all grant schemes in all council areas. Set requirements for diversity, inclusion, integration, and universal design in the early assessment of digitization measures related to the digitization strategy.
Responsibility for measure 3.4 

• Finance and Administration (coordinating responsibility) 
• Office of the County Council Leader 
• Education and Competence 
• Planning, Climate and Environment 
• Transportation Industry and Dental Health 
• Culture and Diversity

When measure 3.4 is implemented 

Start-up 2022–23, an ongoing task..

Measure 3.5 

Contribute to good guidance and collaboration on diversity, integration, and universal design through holistic use of tools.

Responsibility for measure 3.5 

Office of the County Council Leader (coordinating responsibility).

When measure 3.5 is implemented 

Start-up 2022–23, an ongoing task.

Strategy 4: Contribute to a diverse and inclusive work environment in the organization and in the Viken/ Østfold community

Measure 4.1 

Actively and purposefully work with universal design in buildings and ICT for employees and visitors at the county houses and all premises that have employees. Investigate the need for mapping.

Responsibility for measure 4.1 

• Finance and Administration (coordinating responsibility) 
• Education and Competence (coordinating responsibility)

When measure 4.1 is implemented 

Start-up 2022–23, an ongoing task.

Measure 4.2 

Assess new methods for inclusion in the workplace, such as mentor/trainee, and consider continuation of collaboration with NAV and possibly, employment businesses, have more apprentices. Increase the proportion of founders with immigrant backgrounds.

Responsibility for measure 4.2 

• Industry and Dental Health (coordinating responsibility) 
• Finance and Administration (coordinating responsibility)

When measure 4.2 is implemented 

Start-up 2022–23, an ongoing task.

Measure 4.3 

Set goals for how to increase the proportion of employees and managers with multi-cultural backgrounds, disabilities, or other minorities in all parts of the organization.

Responsibility for measure 4.3 

• Finance and Administration (coordinating responsibility) 
• Office of the County Council Leader 
• Education and Competence 
• Planning, Climate and Environment 
• Transportation 
• Industry and Dental Health 
• Culture and Diversity

When measure 4.3 is implemented 

2022.

Measure 4.4 

Develop a plan for the qualification of immigrants. Learn from the experiences with the plan to actively work on the inclusion of more groups in education and employment.

Responsibility for measure 4.4 

• Education and Competence (coordinating responsibility) 
• Culture and Diversity 
• Finance and Administration 
• Industry and Dental Health

When measure 4.4 is implemented 

2023.

Strategy 5: Work for a Diverse and Inclusive Viken School Action

Action 5.1 

Increase competence in equality, diversity, integration, and universal design among school staff and in the county administration. This is carried out in regular competence development.

Responsibility for action 5.1 

• Education and Competence (coordinating responsibility) 
• Office of the County Council Leader 
• Planning, Climate and Environment 
• Culture and Diversity

When action 5.1 is implemented 

Start-up 2022–23, ongoing task.

Action 5.2 

Obtain an overview and utilize the knowledge base in recent school research to explore the challenges related to:
•    Dropout rates for minority groups in upper secondary schools
•    Discrimination in upper secondary schools
•    Equality in minority environments

Responsibility for action 5.2 

• Education and Competence (coordinating responsibility) 
• Planning, Climate and Environment 
• Culture and Diversity 
• Office of the County Council Leader

When action 5.2 is implemented 

Start-up 2022–23, ongoing task.

Action 5.3 

Continue the work with universal design of schools (building, outdoor spaces, pedagogy, learning materials), ICT, and offerings for students.

Responsibility for action 5.3 

• Education and Competence (coordinating responsibility) 
• Finance and Administration

When action 5.3 is implemented 

Start-up 2022–23, ongoing task.

Action 5.4 

In Viken County Municipality, each school has a local action plan against bullying and harassment that helps combat racism. The county administration will get an overview of the schools' efforts against racism. Students will participate and be involved in the work against racism in the local action plan.

Responsibility for action 5.4 

• Office of the County Council Leader (coordinating responsibility) 
• Education and Competence (coordinating responsibility)

When action 5.4 is implemented 

Start-up 2022–23, ongoing task.

Strategy 6: Contribute to Increased Diversity and Participation in Arts, Culture, Sports, Outdoor Life, and Volunteering

Action 6.1 

Ensure that work in arts, culture, cultural heritage, libraries, sports, outdoor life, and volunteering is accessible, adapted, and reflects the composition of the population. Design activities in such a way that more people participate. This includes the adaptation of venues.

Responsibility for action 6.1 

Culture and Diversity (coordinating responsibility).

When action 6.1 is implemented 

Start-up 2022–23, ongoing task.

Action 6.2 

Contribute to more meetings and enhanced interaction through contact and facilitation for individuals and groups that are not organized.

Responsibility for action 6.2 

Culture and Diversity (coordinating responsibility) Education and Competence Planning, Climate and Environment.

When action 6.2 is implemented 

Start-up 2022–23, ongoing task.

Strategy 7: Ensure Equal Access for Residents to Services and Venues, Digital and Physical

Action 7.1 

Design an accessibility declaration for web and digital platforms (universal design).

Responsibility for action 7.1 

Office of the County Council Leader (coordinating responsibility).

When action 7.1 is implemented 

2022.

Action 7.2 

When Viken County Municipality offers and develops digital services, the accessibility of the service and any discriminatory effects must be assessed. Recommended guidelines and EU directives should be followed in procurements.

Responsibility for action 7.2 

• Finance and Administration (coordinating responsibility) 
• Office of the County Council Leader 
• Education and Competence 
• Planning, Climate and Environment 
• Transportation 
• Healthcare and Dental Services 
• Culture and Diversity

When action 7.2 is implemented 

Start-up 2022–23, ongoing task.

Action 7.3 

Contribute to creating a universally designed travel chain. Through investments, upgrades of infrastructure on the county road network, operation and maintenance, as owner of public transport companies, as a transportation planner and community developer.

Responsibility for action 7.3 

Transportation (coordinating responsibility).

When action 7.3 is implemented 

Start-up 2022–23, ongoing task.

Action 7.4 

Acquire knowledge about the status of universal design. Actively and purposefully work with universal design within the business.

Responsibility for action 7.4 

• Planning, Climate and Environment (coordinating responsibility) 
• Finance and Administration Office of the County Council Leader 
• Education and Competence 
• Transportation 
• Healthcare and Dental Services 
• Culture and Diversity

When action 7.4 is implemented 

Start-up 2022–23, ongoing task.

Action 7.5 

Increase participation of minority groups in civil society and contribute to meeting places between groups that otherwise do not meet—through grants, networks, cooperation with municipalities, and the voluntary sector.

Responsibility for action 7.5 

Culture and Diversity (coordinating responsibility).

When action 7.5 is implemented 

Start-up 2022–23, ongoing task.

Action 7.6 

Ensure that services and venues aimed at the general public should have universal design of general functions, including ICT. The county municipality's websites and digital platforms must meet the requirements for public websites and be accessible to all residents.

Responsibility for action 7.6 

• Planning, Climate and Environment (coordinating responsibility) 
• Finance and Administration (coordinating responsibility) 
• Office of the County Council Leader (coordinating responsibility) 
• Education and Competence 
• Transportation 
• Healthcare and Dental Services 
• Culture and Diversity

When action 7.6 is implemented 

Start-up 2022–23, ongoing task.

Strategy 8: Work Holistically with Diversity and Inclusion in Planning

Action 8.1 

Illuminate and promote a broad and holistic inclusion and diversity perspective through regional planning and in our role as advisor and authority towards the municipalities.

Responsibility for action 8.1 

• Planning, Climate and Environment (coordinating responsibility) 
• Office of the County Council Leader 
• Finance and Administration 
• Education and Competence 
• Transportation 
• Healthcare and Dental Services 
• Culture and Diversity

When action 8.1 is implemented 

Start-up 2022–23, ongoing task.

Action 8.2 

Ensure up-to-date knowledge about diversity, integration, and universal design, and use this knowledge in regional planning.

Responsibility for action 8.2 

• Planning, Climate and Environment (coordinating responsibility) 
• Office of the County Council Leader 
• Finance and Administration 
• Education and Competence 
• Transportation 
• Healthcare and Dental Services 
• Culture and Diversity

When action 8.2 is implemented 

Start-up 2022–23, ongoing task.

Action 8.3 

Collect and disseminate knowledge about factors affecting health and quality of life, and the distribution of these in the population.

Responsibility for action 8.3 

• Planning, Climate and Environment (coordinating responsibility) 
• Office of the County Council Leader 
• Finance and Administration 
• Education and Competence 
• Transportation 
• Healthcare and Dental Services 
• Culture and Diversity

When action 8.3 is implemented 

Start-up 2022–23, ongoing task.