1. ‘Delivering Equality’ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans (LGB&T) Module 4: Equality Act (2010)

2. Aims Participant’s will increase their awareness of the Equality Act (2010) and it’s significance for Lesbians, Gay men, Bisexuals and Trans (LGB&T) communities

3. Background In April 2012, NHS Somerset and Somerset LINk jointly commissioned the Diversity Trust to find out about the experiences and views of LGBT people of health and social care in Somerset. In particular, they wanted to hear about the stories, both positive and negative, LGBT people in Somerset had to tell about accessing and receiving health and social care. The research was carried out throughout the county between April and October 2012.

4. Equality Act (2010) Strengthening, harmonising and streamlining 40 years of equalities legislation: Strengthening: improving the effectiveness of equality legislation Harmonising: providing the same levels of protection from discrimination across all the protected characteristics and all sectors, where appropriate Streamlining: simplifying and consolidating approximately 116 pieces of separate equality legislation

5. Protected Characteristics 1. Age 2. Disability 3. Gender reassignment 4. Marriage and civil partnership 5. Pregnancy and maternity 6. Race 7. Religion and belief 8. Sex 9. Sexual orientation

6. Where does the Equality Act apply? Services and Public Functions Premises Work Education Associations, including Political Parties

7. Prohibited Conduct Direct discrimination, including by association and perception Indirect discrimination – now covers all characteristics Pregnancy and maternity discrimination Harassment Third party harassment Discrimination arising from disability Duty to make reasonable adjustments

8. Other Key Provisions Public Sector Equality Duty to have due regard to the need to: Eliminate discrimination, harassment and victimisation Advance equality of opportunity Foster good relations Positive action provisions permits proportionate action to overcome disadvantage, meet needs and tackle under representation

9. Contact Us Phone 0844 800 4425 Email info@diversitytrust.org.ukinfo@diversitytrust.org.uk Website www.diversitytrust.org.ukwww.diversitytrust.org.uk Facebook http://facebook.com/DiversityTrust http://facebook.com/DiversityTrust Twitter http://twitter.com/DiversityTrusthttp://twitter.com/DiversityTrust