The Equality Act 2010
The Equality Act 2010 replaced previous equality legislation with a single Act which aims to provide a simpler more effective legal framework to tackle discrimination and disadvantage. The Act applies to everyone, both in the public and private sector.
Public Sector Equality Duty
The Equality Act also introduced a new Public Sector Equality Duty. This duty requires that in carrying out its work, councils give due regard to the need to:
- eliminate discrimination, harassment and victimisation
- advance equality
- foster good relations between different groups
The Act also asks key public bodies to publish a set of equality outcomes and to publish reports on progress to meet the duty.
Further information about the Equality Act 2010 can be found on the Equality and Human Rights Commission website.
Equality Impact Assessments
Equality impact assessments help us to consider how our policies, actions and services may affect some communities or groups of people differently.
This process supports our legal duty to give due regard to eliminate unlawful discrimination, advance equality, and promote good relations, and to put into place measures that will reduce potential barriers and enhance equality of opportunity.