The Government has published a progress report highlighting the achievements made since the first cross-government equality strategy was launched in 2010.
The strategy marked a change in focus, moving away from regulation, legislation and coercion. Instead, the Government is concentrating its efforts on developing intelligent, light-touch, common sense policies that have a demonstrable impact on people's lives.
Equalities minister Lynne Featherstone (pictured) said: "Effective equalities policy works with the grain of human nature, not against it. That's why we abandoned the last government's approach of simply trying to dictate how people should behave.
"Instead, we're putting in place an architecture to support businesses, organisations and individuals to do the right thing. This one-year-on evaluation shows that the new approach is already paying off."
The Government's equality strategy, 'building a fairer Britain', was launched in December 2010. It focuses on delivering equality through reducing red tape, increasing transparency and supporting local action.
Some of the positive measures introduced since the strategy was first published include reducing bureaucracy and cutting red tape; repealing ineffective equality legislation; reviewing the Public Sector Equality Duty to ensure it is working as intended; working with business to tackle gold-plating and over-compliance; breaking down barriers to women at work; establishing 'Think, Act, Report' - a voluntary scheme encouraging firms to identify inequality, take action where necessary, and share their good practice. Tesco, Unilever, BT and Eversheds are among the many businesses to have signed up; and working with Lord Davies to increase the representation of women on company boards.
The number of all male boards among the FTSE 100 has more than halved since February 2011.
The progress report also outlines the Government's offering £2 million funding for female entrepreneurs in the countryside through Rural Growth Networks; working with business to support more flexible working; providing 15,000 mentors to help people starting or expanding a business, with 5,000 specifically for women; and setting up a Women's Business Council to advise government on maximising women's contribution to economic growth.
