Equality Duties are not new to Public Authorities. The Duty to Promote Race Equality came into force in 2002, The Duty to Promote Disability Equality came into force in 2006 and The Gender Equality Duty in 2007.
The Equality Act 2010 has replaced the three separate Duties with a single Public Sector Equality Duty. This single Equality Duty encompasses the following protected characteristics:-
- Age
- Disability
- Gender Reassignment
- Marriage and Civil Partnership
- Pregancy and Maternity
- Race
- Religion or Belief
- Sex
- Sexual Orientation
The Public Sector Equality Duty states that a public authority must, in the exercise of its functions, have due regard to the need to:-
1. Eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation and any other conduct that is prohibited by the Equality Act 2010;
2. Advance equality of opportunity between persons who share a protected characteristic and persons who do not share it; this means:-
- removing or minimising disadvantages suffered by persons who share a relevant protected characteristic that are connected to that characteristic.
- taking steps to meet the needs of persons who share a relevant protected characteristic that are different from the needs of persons who do not share it.
- encouraging persons who share a relevant protected characteristic to participate in public life or in any other activity in which participation by such persons is disproportionately low.
3. Foster good relations between persons who share a protected characteristic and persons who do not share it; this means:-
- tackling prejudice.
- promoting understanding.
The council has previously developed separate equality schemes for the areas of race, disability and gender. These schemes have now been replaced by a single equality scheme and associated strategic action plan to address all seven protected characteristics.
Our rationale for the development of one single scheme and strategy is that this authority recognises that members of minority groups can be subject to multiple discrimination and therefore experience disadvantage when accessing services in more than one area. Our objective in the development of our new single equality scheme is based on a “cross-cutting” approach where all aspects of equality are considered. This inclusive approach will help recognise multiple disadvantage and will be more likely to promote more effective community cohesion. The principle of community cohesion is fundamental to the overall strategy of the council and along with the principle of equality and fairness for all, underpins all the services that we deliver.
View our Single Equality Scheme and associated annual reports in the ‘Read More’ box to the right of your screen.