Under the Equality Act 2010, the Trust has a duty to meet the
needs of people with protected characteristics and reduce and
eliminate the disadvantage that such groups suffer.
The Equality Act covers the following nine protected
characteristics:
- Age
- Disability
- Gender reassignment
- Pregnancy and maternity
- Race (includes ethnic or national origins, colour or
nationality)
- Religion or belief (includes no belief)
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
- Marriage and civil partnership
Public sector organisations such as the NHS have duties referred
to as the Public Sector Equality Duty. It consists of a
general duty for public sector organisations to have due regard for
the need to:
- Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and
victimisation
- Advance equality of opportunity between different groups
- Foster good relations between different groups
There are also specific duties which are legal
requirements. These require the publication of:
- Equality Objectives, at least every four years
- Information to demonstrate compliance with the equality duty at
least annually
