What is equality & diversity?

Further information

Equality Legislation

Those subject to the equality duty must, in the exercise of their functions, have due regard to the need to:   

• Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and other conduct prohibited by the Act
• Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not
• Foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do no

Having due regard means:

• Removing or minimising disadvantages suffered by people due to their protected characteristics   
• Taking steps to meet the needs of people from protected groups where these are different from the needs of other people
• Encouraging people from protected groups to participate in public life or in other activities where their participation is disproportionately low

*Meeting different needs involves taking steps to take account of disabled people’s impairments

*Fostering good relations means tackling prejudice and promoting understanding between people from different groups

*Compliance with the duty may mean treating some people more favourably than others

Protected characteristics

• age, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation
• marriage and civil partnership are protected under the first principle of the equality duty (eliminate unlawful discrimination)

There are six types of discrimination prohibited under the act.  They are:-

Direct Discrimination – where some is treated less favourably than another person because of a protected characteristic.

Indirect Discrimination – Where a rule, policy or practice, which applies to everyone, particularly disadvantages people who share a particular protected characteristic.  Indirect discrimination can be justified if it can be shown that the rule, policy or practice is intended to meet a legitimate objective in a fair, balanced and reasonable way. 

Discrimination by association – where someone is treated less favourably because they are linked or associated with someone who has a protected characteristic.

Discrimination by perception – where someone is treated less favourably because they are perceived to have a protected characteristic.

Harassment & Victimisation - It is unlawful to discriminate against, harass or victimise a person because of a protected characteristic when providing services*

 *The prohibition on harassment does not cover sexual orientation or religion & belief 

 

 

Related pages on this website

• Equality Objectives 2012-2015
• Why the council asks for personal information
• Tackling Hate Crime
• Equality Information
• Useful Equalities Contacts
• South Norfolk Equalities Group