Equality, diversity and the Equality Act 2010

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all people within our community. We have published a range of policies and reports which show how we are meeting our legal duties.

Corporate equality scheme

We’re committed to eliminating discrimination and harassment and promoting equality of opportunity for people no matter their:

• age
• disability
• ethnic or national origin
• race
• religious belief or faith
• gender or sexual orientation

This commitment is set out in our corporate equality scheme.

The Equality Act 2010

Everyone should have the same chances to do what they can but some people may need extra help. The Equality Act 2010 – GOV.UK intends to make Britain a fairer and equal place for everyone. We have a duty to:

• eliminate discrimination, harassment and victimisation
• promote equality of opportunity
• foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not

The general duty is supported by 2 specific duties, which requires us to:

• publish information to show compliance with the equality duty every year
• publish every 4 years specific and measurable equality objectives

Protected characteristics

The general duty protects people from discrimination on the basis of certain categories which are known as 'protected characteristics'. These include:

• age
• disability
• gender reassignment
• marriage or civil partnership
• pregnancy and maternity
• race
• religion or belief
• sex
• sexual orientation

In addition to these 9 protected characteristics, we also include socio-economic background and carers in our equality impact assessments.