Equalities Act 2010

Equalities Legislation has been updated in 2010.Download a summary of the main provisions of the Equalities Act. This new legislation adds to the former legislation which focussed on the '6 Strands'. The information section on the'6 Strands' is still useful when considered in the light of the updated legislation.

Equalities legislation has been brought together within the Equalities Act 2010.  The general duty has three aims; it requires public bodies to have due regard to the need to:  

• eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and other conduct   prohibited by the Equality Act 2010; 
• advance equality of opportunity between people from different groups;
• and foster good relations between people from different groups.

Having due regard means consciously thinking about the three aims of the general duty as part of the process of  decision‑making. This means that consideration of equality issues must influence the decisions reached by public bodies – in how they act as employers; how they develop, evaluate and review policy; how they design, deliver and evaluate services, and how they commission and procure from others.

Having due regard to the need to advance equality of opportunity involves considering the need to:

• remove or minimise disadvantages suffered by people due to their protected characteristics;
• meet the needs of people with protected characteristics;
• and encourage people with protected characteristics to participate in public life or in other activities where their participation is low.

The Equality Duties cover people from the following protected characteristics:

• age;
• disability;
• gender reassignment;
• pregnancy and maternity;
• race – this includes ethnic or national origins, colour or nationality;
• religion or belief – this includes lack of belief;
• sex;
• sexual orientation.

It would also cover carers old and young in that there would be a relationship to a person from a protected characteristic. It does not specifically cover poverty or deprivation though many people in these groups may live in deprived circumstances and may also suffer discrimination due deprivation.