Do we need a refreshed Framework?

It will be four years next week since the Government’s ‘Strategic Framework for Women’s Enterprise’ was launched by Patricia Hewitt. (If you don’t know about this document, download it here – womens-enterprise-strategic-framework.pdf) It was the first policy report of its kind to be published by central government, and has undoubtedly contributed to increased awareness of women’s entrepreneurship issues, and the development of women’s enterprise in the regions. Arguably it’s also helped to engage the private sector (eg banks) and the media. Prowess was actively involved in developing and drafting the Framework and we recently lobbied Margaret Hodge, DTI Minister, and the Task Force  to have the document refreshed and revised. Although much of it is still valid, the statistics and research need to brought up to date, and the business support context has gone through radical change.

There has been a bit of resistance to this idea – it’s not a good time for ‘new’ Frameworks in Government at the moment. But we’re not saying we need to start again. Unlike four years ago, when we were still in the process of persuading government officials, regional agencies and the media that women’s enterprise should be an economic priority, the case has pretty much been made – but we can’t continue to expect an out-of-date policy document to influence new economic strategies. When the RDAs come to revise their Regional Economic Strategies, for example, there is no current, authoritative source of government commitment to women’s entrepreneurship. We feel it would be an appropriate project for the Women’s Enterprise Task Force to champion and would like to hear from blog readers what they think. Please comment and let prowessblog know whether a refreshed Framework is a good idea, and why. If you’d rather comment less publicly, send an email to Jackie at Prowess – j.brierton@prowess.org.uk – and it will be treated in confidence.

Gender Equality Duty – does anyone know about it?

The most significant piece of equality legislation in 30 years – the Gender Equality Duty - came into effect on 6th April, but does anyone know about it? If effectively implemented, it could have a significant impact on how public services are delivered -including business support – but awareness seems low. It promotes a positive approach to equality – public bodies, and private or voluntary organisations providing publicly-funded services, will have a legal responsibility to demonstrate that they’re treating women and men fairly. This will include developing equality action plans, showing how their budgets reflect the needs of women and men, and how they are actively tackling discrimination. Improved data collection which is gender disaggregated will also be required. More information at www.eoc.org.uk and www.fawcettsociety.org.uk.

Any comments on the new Duty from blog readers? It would be good to hear how Regional Development Agencies and Business Link are promoting it and what tangible developments have come about as a result.