1. Equality Act – new protected characteristics
Putting principles into practice

3. Cards on the table
What does the law require for ‘new’ protected characteristics? What will be required of me? Should I do anything differently? Where do I find the time? How will I know when I’m applying the law? How on earth can I please everyone’s needs? Dealing with unfinished business & uncertainty.

5. Objectives of the session
Focus on public sector equality duty
Greater understanding of how the Act applies to ‘new’ protected characteristics.
Seeing how new obligations translate into practical activity
How current activities already demonstrate compliance
An awareness of the barriers and how they can be overcome

6. ‘New’ separately identified protected characteristics
Age
Religion and Belief
Sexual orientation
Gender reassignment
Marriage & civil partnerships
Pregnancy & maternity

7. New protected characteristics – changes to definitions
Age. All ages covered by most of the legislation but goods and services discrimination only covers those aged 18+
Gender reassignment. Applies to all trans people regardless of medical procedure
Religions must have clear structure and belief. Philosophical beliefs must be genuinely held.
Other characteristics fairly self-explanatory

8. Coverage of the duty
Eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation and other provisions
Advance equality between those sharing particular characteristics and those that don’t. This includes removing or minimising disadvantage, addressing different needs, and encouraging participation in public and active life.
Foster good relations including tackling prejudice

9. General and specific duties
The above are general duties and apply to a wider range of organisations including charities and private organisations undertaking public functions.
Assembly Government has the power to impose specific public sector duties on relevant public authorities and is currently consulting on provisions (deadline 17 December)

10. Content of the specific duty
Must be flexible and proportionate
Evidence base. Clear understanding of the communities served
Consultation and involvement to secure fit for purpose outcomes
Transparency on objective setting and reporting
Leadership and effective resource use

11. Timelines
6th April 2011 Proposed date for specific duties to come into force 2nd April 2012 Publishing equality objectives through equality schemes (only applies in Wales)

12. Workshop themes
Engagement
Barriers
Creative service delivery

13. 1. Engagement
Noting the difference between consultation and involvement
Flexibility and fleetness of foot
‘Horses for courses’
Engaging with the seldom heard and seldom listened to voices

17. Let us share 1
Examples of how you have engaged with seldom heard voices. What are the challenges and how have you overcome them?

18. 2. Challenges & overcoming barriers
What barriers are you currently experiencing? What further barriers are you envisaging?

21. Let us share 2
What are the main barriers you face in promoting equality on grounds of age, religion & belief, and sexual orientation Barrier busters – identify 6 actions that help to overcome the barriers other than...

22. Delivery through partnerships
Procurement, contracting, and accountability
Who leads on equality

25. Let us share 3 What examples do you have of working positively
Between disciplines and departments in the same authority
Between neighbouring authorities
Across the public sector
In partnership with ‘not for profit’ and private sectors