EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY

What do we mean by equality and diversity? Equality does not mean ‘everybody being the same’. It is about recognising that everybody is different yet treating everyone with an equal level of respect and ensuring they have equal access to employment, education and training, goods, services and facilities, buying or renting property and so on.

Diversity Diversity takes things a step further. It is about recognising, respecting, valuing and drawing on the positive aspects of differences. Diversity fosters an environment that recognises the contribution every individual makes or can make to the organisation and its goals. It promotes dignity and respect. Embracing diversity offers a winning strategy - it benefits the organisation, colleagues, the people who use the service and the individual.

Gold to Platinum Until recently we have assumed the ‘golden rule’ for interacting with people successfully to be ‘Treat others in the way you would like to be treated’. This assumes that all people are the same - like you. By embracing diversity we should now aspire to a ‘platinum rule’ whereby we ‘Treat others in the way they would like to be treated’.

Areas of equality protected by law The UK’s equality legislation has been developed over almost fifty years. Eight major pieces of legislation and around 100 sets of regulations (statutory instruments). Many driven by European legislation. Can you name any of the eight?

Equality Legislation Disability Discrimination Act (2005) Employment Equality (Age) Regulations (2006) Employment Equality (Religion & Belief) Regulations (2003) Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations (2003) Equality Act (2007) Gender Recognition Act (2004) Race Relations Amendment Act (2000) Sex Discrimination Act (1975)

Areas of equality protected by law The law is highly complex. Its remit is to ensure that people are treated equally whatever their: race (including nationality and colour) gender disability religion or belief sexual orientation age It applies to employment, education and training, goods, services and facilities, and buying or renting property.

Areas of equality protected by law The law places special responsibilities on public bodies to promote equality. It has a knock-on effect on private and voluntary sector organisations that carry out ‘functions of a public nature’ on behalf of public authorities. This could include providing services directly to a section of the public or supplying goods or employees, training or recruitment and selection of applicants for jobs in your sector.

Along with public bodies, such organisations also have to: Promote equality of opportunity Promote good relations Promote positive attitudes Eliminate harassment Eliminate unlawful discrimination.

The law affects people in their roles as: Employees Employers Managers and policy makers Administrators ‘front line’ staff dealing with the public Managers/trainers Volunteers Temporary staff Service users Sub-contractors

. . . so it is going to affect you.